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Federal prosecutors have opened a corruption investigation into Washington, D.C., Mayor Muriel E. Bowser over a foreign trip paid for by Qatar, The Washington Post reported Thursday. The inquiry, led by the U.S. attorney’s office in Washington, has been underway for months and focuses on whether the trip violated bribery or campaign finance laws. The Post also reported that the investigation has been complicated by internal upheaval at the Justice Department (DOJ), including the firing of the FBI agent who had been leading the case. Bowser’s office told the newspaper it has not been notified of any investigation. “This was a business trip. D.C. representatives regularly travel to promote Washington as a destination for investment and growth, and those efforts have brought business to the city,” a statement from her office to the Post said. “All proper paperwork for this standard donation is on file.” Newsweek has reached out to Bowser’s office and the DOJ via email on Thursday evening for comment. This is a breaking news story. Updates to follow. District of Columbia Mayor Muriel Bowser is seen during a recess in a House Oversight Committee hearing on Capitol Hill Sept. 18, 2025. (Francis Chung/POLITICO via AP Images)
