Gov. Kathy Hochul (D-NY) expressed outrage after learning that a top aide in her office was allegedly working as a spy for the Chinese Communist Party (CCP). “I’m furious, outraged, and absolutely shocked by how brazen her behavior was,” Hochul said in an interview with WNYC’s Sean Carlson on Tuesday, referring to the arrest of Linda Sun, a former deputy chief of staff under both Hochul and former Gov. Andrew Cuomo.
Sun has been charged with acting as a foreign agent for China. “It was a betrayal of trust,” Hochul added, according to the New York Post.
Hochul, however, emphasized that her administration acted swiftly once Sun’s misconduct was discovered. “This individual was hired by the executive chamber over a decade ago. We terminated her employment in March 2023 after finding evidence of wrongdoing, immediately reported it to law enforcement, and have cooperated with authorities throughout the investigation,” a spokesperson for Hochul said in a statement.
The governor assured the public that her team is working diligently to uncover how Sun evaded detection for so long. “We’ve been collaborating with the Department of Justice on this investigation and will continue to ensure that all relevant information comes to light and that justice is served,” Hochul said.
Sun, 41, and her husband Chris Hu, 40, have both pleaded not guilty to charges including violations of the Foreign Agents Registration Act, visa fraud, smuggling, and money laundering. According to the indictment, Sun used her government position to benefit her husband’s medical equipment business during the Covid-19 pandemic. She is also accused of accepting gifts to strengthen ties between New York state and communist China. Sun, who was hired by Cuomo in 2012, served in various senior roles during his tenure before being promoted by Hochul in 2021.
Former Gov. Cuomo has distanced himself from the scandal, questioning Hochul’s judgment in promoting Sun. “National security is paramount and should be free from foreign influence,” Cuomo spokesperson Rich Azzopardi said, per the New York Post. He added that while Sun held several positions in state agencies during Cuomo’s administration, she had little direct interaction with the governor.
In the aftermath of Sun’s arrest, New York Assemblyman Ron Kim shared his own concerns about Chinese influence, revealing that he had been targeted by efforts from Chinese communists attempting to take his assembly seat during a contentious Democratic primary.
