Source: D.C. Mayor Bowser not under federal investigation
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A Trump administration official told Axios that D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser is not under federal investigation, hours after the New York Times reported that the Justice Department was probing one of her foreign trips paid by Qatar.
Why it matters: Bowser is weighing a fourth term bid while navigating an unpredictable relationship with President Trump.
What we're hearing: "The mayor's name was mentioned in something, but she is not the target nor being investigated," a senior administration official told Axios.
- The official blamed the rumor of the investigation on a disgruntled fired FBI agent.
- Bowser's office said in a statement it had not been notified of an investigation.
Zoom in: The Times reported Thursday evening that the U.S. attorney's office in Washington, D.C., has a months-long investigation into a 2023 trip for potential bribery or campaign finance violations, citing anonymous sources.
- Bowser took part in the trip with four staff members.
- Qatar paid more than $61,000 to fly Bowser and her team to Doha, according to a March letter from Qatari officials, originally reported by ABC7.
- The Times wrote that recent upheaval and turnover at the Justice Department may impede the investigation. The FBI agent leading the probe was fired this week after participating in an investigation into Trump's alleged attempts to overturn the 2020 election.
Flashback: Bowser had shifting answers about the Middle East trip.
- Initially, her office said the D.C. Chamber of Commerce picked up the tab.
- Her office later clarified the U.S. Conference of Mayors paid for the trip, but it emerged that the group only paid for part of the travel, tied to the UN Climate Conference in Dubai.
- Before Dubai, Bowser stopped in Qatar, to promote the District for investment and tourism.
What they're saying: "This was a business trip," Bowser's office said in a statement.
- "D.C. representatives regularly travel to promote Washington as a destination for investment and growth. ... In some cases, economic development funds are used for the business travel; in other cases, the host or organizer cover the expenses," the statement added.
- "All proper paperwork for this standard donation is on file."
- A spokesperson for Jeanine Pirro, the U.S. Attorney of D.C., did not comment.
