Jury selection started Friday in the federal courtroom where D.C. Councilmember Trayon White will be tried for alleged bribery. The Justice Department says White accepted $156,000 in cash to pressure employees at the Office of Neighborhood Safety and the Department of Youth Rehabilitation Services to extend certain contracts. White has entered a not‑guilty plea.
Justice Department seeks to curb White’s public remarks
In a filing, prosecutors asked the judge to order White to remove a video he posted on Sept. 1 urging D.C. residents to answer their jury summons. The video also expressed concern about low response rates from Black potential jurors. The department described the clip as an “unabashed attempt to taint the jury” and accused White of making disparaging comments about the jury selection process.
Prosecutors further requested that the judge prohibit White from making any additional statements about the trial before it begins. White’s attorneys countered that the request infringes on his constitutional right to a fair trial and argued that his comments were aimed at ensuring a representative jury.
Background on White’s legal and political history
White was arrested by the FBI in August 2024 after the alleged cash‑for‑influence scheme came to light. Following his arrest, the D.C. Council expelled him in 2025. Undeterred, White ran for his former seat in July 2025 and was re‑elected by voters in Ward 8, reclaiming his position on the council.
The trial’s next phase will continue with additional juror questioning on Monday, Sept. 14. The court has not set a trial start date, but the selection process is expected to proceed over the next several days.
What this means for the community
Residents of Ward 8 and the broader District are watching the case closely, as it raises questions about public‑sector integrity and the influence of money in local government. While the trial is a federal matter, the outcome could impact public confidence in the council and shape future oversight of city contracts.
Local officials have emphasized the importance of allowing the legal process to run its course without interference. The council’s ethics committee has already begun reviewing the circumstances surrounding White’s alleged conduct, signaling a continued focus on accountability.
Next steps
The Justice Department will continue to monitor White’s public statements as the trial approaches. Defense counsel plans to argue that White’s outreach was a lawful exercise of free speech aimed at encouraging civic participation.
As the jury selection proceeds, the District’s legal community and residents await further developments that will determine whether the alleged bribery scheme will be proven in court.
Original reporting: Arlington County | FOX 5 DC — read the source article.
