Washington, D.C., Councilman Trayon White, who is facing federal bribery charges, made a vague public apology just moments after being sworn into office earlier this week.
“This morning, I want to say that I apologize to my city, and I love my city to the core of who I am,” White said. “I’m not a perfect man, but if you get to know me, you know that I’m a good man.”
This is the first time that White has publicly come close to admitting to any wrongdoing related to his bribery charges.
“I’m grateful, humble, and emotional about being reelected today because I know that I have a duty and a responsibility to advocate, to make legislation, and to make sure equity is on the front line for our residents east of the Anacostia River,” he said.
White pleaded not guilty to federal bribery charges in September after video footage appeared to show him accepting $156,000 in bribes in exchange for using his position as the chairman of the D.C. Department of Youth Rehabilitation Services to pressure two city agencies to extend contracts to a company tasked with fighting against violent crime.
In spite of his public arrest in August and the federal indictment, White still won reelection with 83% of the vote this November.
He was administered the oath of office by Democratic Councilwoman Janeese Lewis George, who voted last month to recommend White be kicked out of the council for ethics violations. The vote was unanimous 11-0. In addition to the bribery charges, White is accused of living in a high rise luxury building in Navy Yard instead of inside of Ward 8, which he represents.
White has until Jan. 8 to prepare his defense against the council, when there will be a vote on whether to remove him from office, which will require the vote of approval of 11 of the 13 members.
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If White is voted to be removed from office, then a special election will need to be held to fill his seat.
Meanwhile, White’s trial is scheduled to begin on Jan. 12, 2026.
