Linda Sun, the former aide to Governor Kathy Hochul and ex-Governor Andrew Cuomo who is accused of being a Chinese spy, managed to visit the White House while she was under federal investigation. This visit occurred just two months before the FBI raided her Long Island home as part of their investigation into her alleged ties to Beijing. The tour of the White House was arranged by her former boss, Congresswoman Grace Meng.
Despite being under scrutiny at the time, Linda Sun excitedly shared her visit on Facebook, which included a tour of the White House, a visit with Congresswoman Meng, and a trip to the Capitol. Additionally, she and her family visited the International Spy Museum during their time in Washington D.C.
Sun and her husband were recently indicted on various charges, including violating the Foreign Agents Registration Act, visa fraud, alien smuggling, and money laundering conspiracy. Prosecutors claim that Sun used her position within the governor’s office to promote China’s interests in exchange for gifts and bribes, which were used to fund their luxurious lifestyle.
While it may seem alarming that a suspected spy gained access to the White House, it is important to note that the standard public tour does not include access to sensitive areas or meetings with officials. However, concerns have been raised about the lack of communication between federal authorities and state governments regarding individuals under investigation.
Michael Lucci, the founder of State Armor, emphasized the need for improved security measures to prevent foreign operatives from gaining access to government buildings. He also questioned why federal authorities did not inform the governor’s office about Sun’s involvement in the investigation sooner.
Despite the troubling allegations against Sun, Congresswoman Meng condemned foreign influence campaigns and corruption while also urging against the stereotyping of Asian Americans. She highlighted the importance of not painting the entire Asian American community with a broad brush based on the actions of individuals like Linda Sun.
The case of Linda Sun serves as a reminder of the potential risks associated with foreign influence and espionage. It underscores the need for enhanced security protocols and improved communication between federal agencies and state governments to prevent similar incidents in the future.