Ward 8 councilman Trayon White Sr., who is challenging incumbent mayor Muriel Bowser in the Democratic mayoral primary, teamed up with the Coke-bottling company and grocery chain last week to host the cleanup day for Oxon Run, a stream located in White’s ward.
White’s fraught relationship with the Jewish community dates back to at least 2018, when he claimed that wealthy Jews used "climate manipulation" to cause bad weather in D.C. and donated $500 in community funds to sponsor a conference by infamous Jew-hater Louis Farrakhan.
The event raises questions about why such prominent brands would partner with a political leader who is known for pushing anti-Semitic conspiracy theories. Coca-Cola Consolidated, one of the main Coca-Cola bottlers in the United States, did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
Photos from the April 9 event show White posing with cleanup volunteers from Coca-Cola Consolidated with Coca-Cola flags and signs prominently displayed in the background.
A spokesman for Giant told the Washington Free Beacon that the event, and White’s invitation, was Coca-Cola Consolidated’s idea.
"This was an event run by Coca-Cola that we were happy to be a part of, because cleaning up our environment is very important to Giant Food. D.C. Councilman Trayon White Sr. was invited by Coca-Cola, so I cannot speak on that," said the spokesman.
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