Washington, D.C. Mayor Muriel E. Bowser is under federal investigation by the Department of Justice (DOJ) regarding a 2023 trip to Dubai. The U.S. attorney’s office in Washington is overseeing the probe, which began in April 2025. The investigation follows a local news report that Bowser and four staff members attended a United Nations conference, with Qatar paying over $61,000 for travel to Doha before the event.
Bowser’s office initially stated that the D.C. Chamber of Commerce funded the trip. Later, they said the U.S. Conference of Mayors provided funding. It was later clarified that this organization only covered part of the expenses. This led to an ethics complaint from the Foundation for Accountability and Civic Trust, a nonprofit.
Bowser’s office has said the trip was for business purposes. They stated that such travel is common to promote Washington, D.C. as a place for investment. The office also said they have not been notified of any investigation and highlighted the economic benefits of these trips…