Federal Investigation Targets DC Mayor’s $61K Qatar Trip, Ethics Records Missing [WATCH]

Washington, D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser is under federal investigation for a 2023 trip to Qatar that was paid for by the foreign government, according to The New York Times, which cited multiple anonymous sources familiar with the probe.

The investigation centers on whether Bowser violated campaign finance or bribery laws by accepting the trip, which reportedly cost more than $61,000.

Bowser and four senior staff members traveled to Doha, Qatar, in late 2023 for the United Nations Climate Change Conference held in Dubai, United Arab Emirates.

The trip, according to documents cited in a local news report, was financed entirely by the Qatari government.

“This was a business trip,” Bowser’s office told The New York Times.

“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.”

However, Washington, D.C. law prohibits public officials from accepting certain types of gifts, broadly defined as any “gratuity, favor, discount, entertainment, [or] hospitality.”

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The law further requires that “each entity of the District of Columbia government shall keep accurate and detailed records of the acceptance and use of any gift or donation … and shall make such records available for audit and public inspection.”

The Foundation for Accountability and Civic Trust (FACT) filed a formal ethics complaint in June, raising questions about the source of funding for the trip and other travel by Bowser and her staff.

FACT’s complaint stated that Bowser’s office could not produce records for several other trips, including visits to the Masters Golf Tournament in Georgia, Las Vegas, Mar-a-Lago, Dubai, and Doha.

The ethics complaint also pointed to a $3,500 receipt submitted by Bowser’s Chief of Staff for a three-night taxpayer-funded stay at the Atlantis-Palm Hotel in Dubai during the same trip.

FACT said that despite Bowser’s office claiming the trip was properly documented, there were no records showing who officially paid for the travel or whether the expenses were approved under D.C. ethics rules.

According to The New York Times, Qatar covered at least $61,900 in expenses for the trip, but the available documentation does not clarify how those payments were processed or whether any third-party organizations were involved.

Bowser has been under investigation for several months.

The Times report indicated that the case may face complications because the lead FBI agent assigned to the investigation was later dismissed from the Bureau for actions related to an inquiry into the 2020 election.

The nature of that agent’s removal could affect the investigation’s continuity.

Bowser, who has served as mayor since 2015, was re-elected to a third term on November 8, 2022, becoming only the second person in city history to win three consecutive terms as mayor.

Her tenure has included efforts to promote economic development and infrastructure investment in the District, though her administration has faced recurring questions about transparency and ethics compliance.

As of now, no formal charges have been filed.

Bowser recently drew attention for publicly celebrating former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi’s retirement announcement on social media, praising Pelosi’s “trailblazing leadership.”

A steadfast champion for the District, we are deeply grateful for Speaker Nancy Pelosi’s years of service on the Hill.

Under her leadership, the House voted twice to pass DC statehood—a critical milestone in our ongoing fight for full representation.

I am proud to congratulate… pic.twitter.com/lfglri3nxp

— Mayor Muriel Bowser (@MayorBowser) November 6, 2025

The investigation into Bowser’s foreign-funded travel remains ongoing as federal authorities continue reviewing financial records, expense filings, and communications tied to the 2023 Qatar trip.