Texts Shown At Trial Suggest Linda Sun Praised Lt. Gov. Hochul's Cooperativeness
Evidence presented at the corruption trial of former New York State official Linda Sun included messages in which Sun allegedly described then-Lieutenant Governor Kathy Hochul as "much more obedient" than Governor Andrew Cuomo after arranging a Lunar New Year greeting for the Chinese consulate in New York.
Prosecutors say the exchange occurred on Jan. 25, 2021, when Sun messaged consular official Lihua Li: "She is much more obedient than the governor," a text that was shown to jurors in Brooklyn federal court. Minutes later, Sun allegedly wrote to Huang Ping, who led the consulate office at the time, that "the deputy governor listens to me more than the governor does," according to the evidence introduced at trial.
According to prosecutors, Chinese officials had initially asked Governor Cuomo to record the video. Sun is said to have told them she could likely get Hochul to participate instead. In a message to Li, Sun reportedly wrote, "Let me ask, but likely the LG can probably do it," using the abbreviation for lieutenant governor. Li replied, "That would be great as well. Thanks." The two-minute video features Hochul wishing viewers a happy Lunar New Year and calling it a "privilege" to work with the Chinese American community and the Chinese consular office.
Allegations And Charges
Federal prosecutors have charged Sun with conspiring to and violating the Foreign Agents Registration Act (FARA), visa fraud, alien smuggling and conspiracy to commit money laundering. Prosecutors allege Sun acted on behalf of Chinese officials on multiple occasions, including pressing for a high-level state visit to China and trying to prevent Taiwanese representatives from meeting with U.S. officials.
Authorities say Sun was dismissed from her state position in 2023 after investigators discovered "evidence of misconduct." Prosecutors allege Sun and her husband, Chris Hu, received millions of dollars from Chinese-connected entities and used some of the funds to buy property on Long Island and in Honolulu totaling more than $6 million, in addition to purchasing a 2024 Ferrari Roma. Those allegations remain unproven in court.
Contested Conduct And Defense
Prosecutors introduced further messages in which Sun allegedly said she could prevent Cuomo from raising the plight of the Uyghurs, a predominantly Muslim minority group that human rights organizations say has been subject to mass detention and forced labor in China. In the Jan. 25, 2021 exchange, Sun told Huang Ping she had an "argument" with Cuomo’s speechwriter, who had insisted on mentioning the Uyghurs; Ping responded skeptically about the speechwriter's experience with China.
Defense: Sun’s attorneys argue that her communications with Chinese officials were part of her official duties and were lawful. Defense attorney Jarrod Schaeffer told jurors, "Linda Sun did what she was hired to do. She didn't commit a crime by doing her job."
Political Reaction
Republican Rep. Elise Stefanik (R-N.Y.), who is preparing a challenge to Gov. Hochul, criticized Hochul in a statement to Fox News Digital, asserting that Hochul was "fully compromised by the Communist Chinese Party" and vowing to oppose any alleged infiltration of state government. Hochul’s office has been contacted for comment.
The trial is ongoing, and the allegations described by prosecutors have not been proven. The court proceedings will determine the outcome of the charges against Sun.
