A U.S. State Department officer, Daniel Choi, was fired after secretly admitting on hidden camera that he hid a romantic relationship with the daughter of a Chinese Communist Party affiliate from U.S. officials. In undercover footage released by O’Keefe Media Group, Choi said he “defied” the government for love and acknowledged his girlfriend “could have been a spy.”
The State Department said Choi violated security rules requiring officials to report close relationships with foreign nationals. Secretary of State Marco Rubio recommended his dismissal, which was approved under a new executive order signed by President Donald Trump aimed at increasing accountability in the diplomatic corps.
Officials said the case highlights growing concerns about Chinese espionage through personal relationships, with counterintelligence experts warning such undisclosed ties can pose serious national security risks.
