The Department of Justice is investigating D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser over a foreign trip she took that was at least partially paid for by Qatar, the New York Times reported Thursday evening.
Bowser went to Dubai in late 2023 with four executive staff members for a United Nations conference on climate change, the Times reported.
The investigation started after the mayor’s office incorrectly told reporters the Chamber of Conference paid for the trip.
Her office told News4 that after the trip they became aware of a “staff error,” which led to the lack of a standard donation agreement for travel expenses. That paperwork has since been correctly submitted, Bowser’s office said. They said they have a letter from Qatar confirming they paid $50,000 for the trip for Bowser and her staffers.
It’s not unusual for outside organizations or governments to pay for such trips, but it appears the mayor’s office didn’t handle the reporting properly in the beginning.
The mayor’s office said they found out about the investigation when the Times called Thursday afternoon for comment.
“We have checked with our lawyers, and the District has not been notified of any investigation,” the mayor’s office said in a statement. “This was a business trip; DC 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 said. “All proper paperwork for this standard donation is on file.”
Bowser previously has been asked about who paid for a trip to the Masters golf tournament – questions that have never fully been answered.
The investigation comes after the federal takeover of D.C. — and looming threat of another one — and as Bowser considers running for a fourth term.
Bowser is scheduled to attend a gala Thursday night where she is receiving an award for her work in the redevelopment of the RFK Stadium site.
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