Pro-China Journalist Accused of Hiding Connections to the CCP

Poken Indicted for Unregistered Chinese Government Activities

A son of an American media expert and a Texas Republican politician faces indictment on charges related to acting as an unregistered agent for the Chinese government, as revealed by recent court documents.

The allegations, initially reported in February, stem from a Department of Justice (DOJ) affidavit stating that Thomas Poken II facilitated communication between his Chinese handlers and associates wanting positions in the Trump administration. He also reportedly assisted in preparing classified materials for Chinese President Xi Jinping. Poken relocated to China around 2010, claiming to be a “journalist” for a state-controlled propaganda outlet before federal authorities uncovered his activities.

Poken was arrested in Herndon, Virginia, in February and faces charges for not disclosing his pro-China endeavors in accordance with the Foreign Agents Registration Act. A U.S. Magistrate Judge ordered that he remain in custody until the trial.

Upon arriving at Washington Dulles International Airport from China in January 2025, Customs and Border Protection and the FBI questioned Poken regarding his connections abroad.

The January visit reportedly aimed at meeting a person he hoped would offer him a position in the new Trump administration after they connected at a political event in Washington in 2023. According to the affidavit, Poken indicated he was “80% sure” this potential official would share confidential information with China, although he cautioned against such actions.

Prosecutors claimed that this unnamed official did not secure the position he desired but is currently employed with a U.S. government agency. The affidavit noted a keen interest among Chinese officials in acquiring information about Poken’s father, who had served in the Reagan administration. Poken explained that he used the alias Tom McGregor at his father’s request to avoid linking his father to his activities.