DOJ Investigates Mayor Bowser’s Qatar Trip Amid Ethics Concerns

By Michael Katz | Friday, 07 November 2025 05:21 PM EST

The Department of Justice has initiated an inquiry into a 2023 trip Washington, D.C., Mayor Muriel Bowser, a Democrat, undertook to Qatar. The probe does not target Bowser directly, according to reports.

Bowser and four staff members traveled to Qatar in December 2023 for discussions on economic development. The journey, partially funded by the Qatari government, was legally permissible under federal law but required strict compliance with disclosure and ethics protocols. The visit aimed to “engage with leaders on infrastructure, sports, education, and promote Washington, D.C., as an investment and tourism destination,” as stated by The Washington Post.

Bowser and her team later attended the United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP28) as part of the U.S. Conference of Mayors delegation. Local media and watchdog groups have since raised questions about whether Bowser’s office accurately disclosed the trip’s funding.

Initial reports from Bowser’s office conflicted, first attributing costs to the DC Chamber of Commerce, then to the U.S. Conference of Mayors. In February, her office obtained a letter from the Qatari Embassy confirming the government covered $61,930 for round-trip airfare, two nights’ hotel stay, and meals for Bowser and four staffers.

The Qatari government described the payment as a “donation to the executive office of the mayor” with no expectation of special treatment or reciprocation. In June, a conservative watchdog group filed an ethics complaint with D.C.’s Office of Government Ethics, prompting the DOJ’s examination of potential violations of bribery or campaign finance laws.

Federal law prohibits U.S. officials from accepting foreign gifts without proper reporting. While violations typically result in civil penalties, criminal charges require proof of quid pro quo. At a news conference, Bowser stated she was “not under investigation” and claimed no federal officials had contacted her or her administration. She added that her legal team had confirmed no investigations were underway related to her or others.

Michael Katz is a Newsmax reporter with over 30 years of experience covering news, culture, and politics.