Federal charges have been leveled against a former aide to two New York governors, alleging covert activities on behalf of China.

Linda Sun and her husband, facing multiple federal charges including visa fraud, have pleaded not guilty after their arrests, spurring a wave of scrutiny over the administration of Democrat Gov. Kathy Hochul, and it has now emerged that the former staffer toured the White House while under investigation by the government, as Breitbart reports.

Sun, who previously held a significant position under Govs. Kathy Hochul and Andrew Cuomo of New York, now finds herself under intense scrutiny following federal investigations.

White House Tour Raises Eyebrows Amidst Ongoing Investigation

Despite being a subject of this investigation, Sun toured the White House on May 8.

The visit, enabled by Queens Rep. Grace Meng, occurred even as Sun was under federal watch.

Meng's office confirmed her role in facilitating Sun's access to the White House, indicating the gravity of the situation given Sun's legal complications at the time.

From State Aide to Alleged International Operative

Alongside her husband, Christopher Hu, Sun faces serious allegations. The charges laid out against them include visa fraud, alien smuggling, and a conspiracy to launder money.

Prosecutors assert that Sun exploited her governmental role to advance the interests of the People’s Republic of China and the Chinese Communist Party.

These allegations have precipitated a closer examination of her actions within the state government.

In return for her alleged espionage activities, Sun is accused of accepting bribes worth millions, which she purportedly used to acquire lavish assets such as a Manhasset mansion and a 2024 Ferrari Roma.

Impact on U.S.-China Diplomatic Engagements

According to federal prosecutors in Brooklyn, Sun manipulated state-level engagements with international officials, specifically from Taiwan, to favor Chinese interests.

During the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, Sun reportedly intervened to downplay a public acknowledgment of a mask donation from Taiwan.

She reportedly steered the gratitude towards a private channel instead.

This maneuvering by Sun, as alleged by the prosecutors, aimed to shape the governors' offices as channels for Chinese governmental narratives and objectives.

Legal Proceedings and Calls for Transparency

The legal developments reached a crescendo with the FBI's raid on Sun and Hu's residence in July, shortly before their arraignment in a Brooklyn federal court.

The severity of the allegations has catalyzed calls among New York Republicans for an in-depth investigation into Governor Hochul's administration.

These calls reflect growing concerns about the integrity of state governance in light of these international espionage accusations.

The political repercussions of this case are beginning to ripple through local and national levels, reflecting the potential implications of the charges on U.S. and international relations.