A former senior aide who served in the administrations of New York Gov. Kathy Hochul and former Gov. Andrew Cuomo is facing federal charges alleging that she acted as an unregistered foreign agent of the People’s Republic of China by seeking to influence state government communications and policies.

Prosecutors accuse Linda Sun of engaging in a covert relationship with officials from the Chinese consulate in New York and using her position to advance China’s interests. Court filings reviewed this week during her ongoing case include text messages in which Sun allegedly claimed she could shape public statements issued by the governor’s office.

In one exchange, Sun purportedly told a Chinese consular official that Hochul — then lieutenant governor — was “much more obedient” than Cuomo. Prosecutors allege Sun worked with consulate officials to help develop talking points for Hochul’s post-COVID Lunar New Year video message, which included expressions of gratitude to China and praise for its role during the pandemic. The messages indicate Sun told officials she had prepared Hochul for the remarks.

The Associated Press previously reported that federal authorities accuse the former senior aide of influencing internal state policy decisions regarding China-related issues, including discouraging interactions with Taiwanese officials and guiding communications to omit references to human-rights abuses. Prosecutors allege she used her access to advance policies and messaging favorable to the Chinese government without disclosing her foreign ties, which is a violation of federal law.

In addition to the foreign-agent allegations, Sun and her husband face separate charges related to pandemic-era procurement. Prosecutors claim the couple improperly benefited from New York’s emergency efforts to acquire personal protective equipment. They are accused of directing state purchases toward companies that funneled financial kickbacks to them.

Sun has pleaded not guilty to the charges. A spokesperson for Gov. Hochul said the governor had no knowledge of Sun’s alleged activities and described the accusations as “a betrayal of trust.”

Federal authorities say the case is part of a larger effort to identify and prosecute undisclosed foreign-influence operations within U.S. institutions at the state and local levels. The investigation remains ongoing.

Earl “Big E” Jackson is the host of The Mission Ready Men Briefing, a conservative commentary series where conviction meets culture.
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