Controversy Surrounds Gov. Hochul’s Lunar New Year Video
Governor Kathy Hochul is facing criticism over a video that was made for the Lunar New Year at the request of an alleged Chinese agent. Her political rival, Rep. Elise Stefanik, accused Democrats of “compromising” in this situation.
This resurfaced footage shows Hochul, then the deputy governor in 2021, recording a message for the Chinese consulate in New York, wishing viewers a “Happy New Year.” Stefanik took to social media, posting the video and stating, “Here is the video footage of Kathy Hochul being persuaded by Chinese Communist spies to be ‘obedient’ for the Chinese Communist Party.” She further claimed that a former aide of Hochul’s is on trial for allegedly favoring Chinese officials for financial gain.
“Kathy is in danger,” Stefanik remarked, emphasizing her point.
The two-minute video, available on the YouTube channel of the Chinese consul general, was noted during the trial of Linda Sun, Hochul’s former aide, who is facing charges related to influence peddling to China in a courtroom in Brooklyn. Prosecutors allege that Sun, a supposed mole for Beijing, once claimed in a message that Hochul complied more easily than former Governor Andrew Cuomo, suggesting that Sun was instrumental in persuading Hochul to participate in the video shoot.
“She is much more obedient than the governor,” Sun reportedly wrote to an official at the Chinese consulate.
Initially, it was Cuomo who was asked by Chinese authorities to record the video, but Sun apparently suggested that Hochul would be a more suitable choice for the task.
In the final version, Hochul acknowledged then-consulate director Fan Ping, stating it was a “privilege” to address matters impacting Chinese residents in New York.
Linda Sun is currently on trial for selling her influence to the Chinese government and for profiting from state mask purchases during the COVID-19 crisis. Following the first revelations of espionage, she was dismissed from her state role in 2023.
Meanwhile, discussions among Albany lawmakers are focusing on the need for action regarding potential foreign influence in state affairs prompted by Sun’s ongoing trial.
Rep. Matt Slater (R-Putnam), who recently proposed a bill to form a commission to investigate foreign influence, expressed concerns about China being a major threat to the country. He stated there is alarming evidence of enhanced infiltration affecting elections and state governance.
“We cannot ignore this any longer and must take decisive action to protect our state and nation,” he urged.
State Sen. Jake Ashby, a Republican from Washington, echoed Slater’s sentiments, highlighting the importance of unearthing the facts surrounding this issue. He added, “This is a national security and state government integrity issue,” stressing the need for bipartisan collaboration to address this pressing concern.
