The U.S. Department of Justice has moved to limit Councilmember Trayon White’s public comments as his federal bribery trial approaches. In a filing this week, prosecutors asked a judge to impose a gag order and to require White to remove a September 1 video he posted to social media.

Video cited as an attempt to influence jurors

In the video, White urges Washington, D.C., residents to respond to jury summons and expresses concern that fewer Black citizens are answering. The Justice Department describes the clip as an “unabashed attempt to taint the jury” and alleges that White is appealing to race and making disparaging remarks about the jury‑selection process.

Legal filings and government response

The emergency motion filed on September 3 asks the court to order the video’s removal and to prohibit White from making any further statements about the matter before his trial. The department notes that the video remains online, indicating White continues to comment on the issue.

White’s attorneys argue the statements are protected speech, asserting he was merely reminding citizens of their civic duty and advocating for a fair cross‑section of the community in the jury pool. They contend it is “extremely unlikely” the remarks will affect the upcoming trial, “either for good or for ill.”

Background on the bribery case

White was arrested by the FBI in August 2024 on federal bribery charges, accused of accepting $156,000 in cash to pressure government employees to extend certain contracts. After being expelled from the D.C. Council in 2025, he successfully ran again in July 2025 and reclaimed his seat representing Ward 8. The trial is scheduled to begin on September 14.

The Justice Department’s request underscores the federal government’s commitment to preserving the integrity of juries and ensuring that high‑profile defendants do not use their platforms to sway potential jurors.

Original reporting: Arlington County | FOX 5 DC — read the source article.