Washington D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser Attends Masters On Taxpayers' Dollar In The Name Of 'Economic Development'

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If there is one thing Washington D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser is good at, it's spending taxpayers' money. After lighting over $250,000 on fire for a Black Lives Matter art project in the city back in 2021, she's now finagled her way into taxpayer-funded trips to attend the most-prestigious golf tournament in the world.

According to the Democratic mayor's public schedule, Bowser traveled to Augusta, Georgia on April 13, the day of the third round of the Masters. Nobody, not even a politician, is traveling to the city of Augusta during Masters weekend for anything other than attending the major championship.

Washington D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser wants people to continue to have faith in the city amid major crime issues. David Hookstead responds. (Credit: Getty Images)

Photo by Justin Sullivan/Getty Images)

Bowser's Communications Director Susana Castillo confirmed with DC News Now that Bowser was invited to the tournament by two people leading a new city task force, "to revitalize the Gallery Place and Chinatown neighborhood." The mayor's schedule noted the trip was "part of a sports and economic development visit."

Castillo explained that "whether it’s here in the city or another city or another country," the mayor is willing to "advance administrative interests." 

A spokesperson also confirmed that Bowser's flights from D.C. to Augusta - a roundtrip that spans over 1,000 miles - were paid for with city funds. While exact numbers were not shared, it's safe to assume Mayor Bowser flew directly from D.C. to Augusta's small airport, which is never an affordable flight.

So, to recap, Bowser took an all-expenses paid trip to Augusta to attend one of the most-expensive sporting events in the United States on the taxpayers' dime to discuss two neighborhoods back in D.C. over some pimento cheese sandwiches. 

But hey, she took the trip in the name of "economic development," so D.C. residents should definitely sleep easier knowing incredibly important discussions were had.

The violent crime rate in D.C. drastically increased in 2022 and 2023, so you can't blame Mayor Bowser for wanting to ditch town for a bit. Bowser was the mayor of the city during that time, but that seems irrelevant.

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Mark covers all sports at OutKick while keeping a close eye on the PGA Tour, LIV Golf, and all other happenings in the world of golf. He graduated from the University of Tennessee-Chattanooga before earning his master's degree in journalism from the University of Tennessee. He somehow survived living in Knoxville despite ‘Rocky Top’ being his least favorite song ever written. Before joining OutKick, he wrote for various outlets including SB Nation, The Spun, and BroBible. Mark was also a writer for the Chicago Cubs Double-A affiliate in 2016 when the team won the World Series. He's still waiting for his championship ring to arrive. Follow him on Twitter @itismarkharris.