The Justice Department has reportedly opened a corruption probe into Washington, D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser over a free trip to Qatar — a move that contrasts starkly with President Donald Trump's own dealings with the country.
"The investigation, which is being handled by the U.S. attorney’s office in Washington, has been underway for months, but could face significant hurdles because of the known facts of the case and recent turmoil inside the Justice Department," reported The New York Times.
"The inquiry began in the wake of an April report by a local TV station, WJLA, over a trip Ms. Bowser and four members of her staff took to Dubai in 2023 for a United Nations conference on climate change. When questioned by reporters about the trip, the mayor’s office initially said it was paid for by the D.C. Chamber of Commerce." It later turned out it was partly paid by the Qatari government, the Times report said.
The case, however, appears to be murky and may face serious obstacles if pursued, the report continued.
"It is unclear whether the mayor’s office did anything for the Qatari government, which would be a critical element of any possible bribery accusation," said the report. "And any criminal case involving campaign finance law would have to show that wrongdoing or misstatements were intentional rather than mistakes in paperwork."
It also comes at a moment, ironically, when Trump has been under fire for accepting a donation of a $400 million luxury 747 jumbo jet from the Qatari government to replace the current Air Force One. Trump has defended this gift by arguing it is not actually in his possession, but will be used by the U.S. government and transferred to his presidential library once he leaves office.
Bowser, who has faced intense pressure from Trump's moves earlier this year to federalize law enforcement in D.C., has denied any wrongdoing. “This was a business trip,” said a statement from the mayor's office. “D.C. representatives regularly travel to promote Washington as a destination for investment and growth ... All proper paperwork for this standard donation is on file.”