Fox News reported that former senior New York state official Linda Sun, during her trial, revealed that she had described Governor Kathy Hochul as “more obedient than former Governor Andrew Cuomo.”
According to the New York Post, Sun persuaded then-Lieutenant Governor Hochul in 2021 to participate in a video promoting the Chinese Consulate in New York for Lunar New Year. In a message to Chinese consulate official Lihua Li, Sun wrote: “She is more obedient than the governor.” Minutes later, she messaged then-consulate head Huang Ping, saying: “The lieutenant governor listens to me more than the governor.”
At the time, Chinese officials had asked Cuomo to record a video, but Sun claimed she could convince Hochul to participate. In the video, Hochul wished everyone a happy Lunar New Year and spoke of the “honor” of collaborating with the Chinese consulate and the Chinese-American community.
Trial charges and alleged influence peddling
Sun, who also served as Hochul’s deputy, is currently charged with violations of the Foreign Agents Registration Act (FARA), visa fraud, immigrant smuggling, and conspiracy to launder money. Brooklyn prosecutors stated that Sun repeatedly acted on behalf of the Chinese government, including facilitating high-level state official visits to China and blocking Taiwan representatives from meeting U.S. officials.
Sun was dismissed in 2023 for “misconduct.” She is accused of providing favors to Chinese officials in exchange for substantial funds flowing into her husband Chris Hu’s business in China. These funds were reportedly used to purchase properties worth over $6 million on Long Island and in Honolulu, as well as a 2024 Ferrari Roma.
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In one incident, Sun claimed she could prevent Cuomo from mentioning the persecution of Uyghurs. According to the New York Post, on Jan. 25, 2021, Sun told Huang Ping that she had “argued” with Cuomo’s speechwriter, who insisted on including references to the Uyghur issue.
Political reaction and campaign responses
Republican Congresswoman Elise Stefanik told Fox News Digital: “Hochul may be the worst governor in New York, but she is the most compliant with the Chinese Communist Party. I have a solid record of opposing the CCP and ensuring spies do not infiltrate our state government.”
Sun was federally indicted in September 2024 for acting as an unregistered foreign agent and for allegedly receiving millions of dollars in kickbacks. She also faces charges including money laundering, visa fraud, and immigrant smuggling. Earlier this year, the Department of Justice added corruption charges, alleging she funneled government contracts to Chinese companies linked to her husband and cousin.
Trial documents indicate that in 2018, Sun forged Hochul’s signature to communicate with Chinese officials. Hochul downplayed Sun’s role in her office after the indictment. Sun had served as Hochul’s deputy chief of staff and previously worked under Cuomo. When Hochul hired Sun in 2021, she praised her as the highest-ranking Asian official in the state government.
Sun was not the only Hochul aide connected to the CCP. National Review reported that another former aide had close ties with the Beijing-controlled Hong Kong government, illustrating how Beijing-backed nonprofits quietly establish influence in the U.S. New York City has long been a key hub for CCP influence and election operations, with Chinese officials reportedly using immigrant social clubs for political maneuvering.
