In a startling turn of events, Secretary of State Marco Rubio dismissed U.S. Foreign Service Officer Daniel Choi after evidence emerged of his romantic relationship with the daughter of a Chinese Communist Party member. This unprecedented action has raised eyebrows and sparked discussions about national security and loyalty within the State Department.
The O’Keefe Media Group played a pivotal role in this revelation, releasing an undercover video of Choi, who openly confessed to dating Joi Zao, a woman linked to the Chinese government. “I defied my government for love,” Choi admitted, shedding light on the complicated dynamics of personal relationships in a profession that demands strict adherence to federal regulations.
Choi’s connection to Zao is concerning, given her father’s status as either a provincial or federal minister of education in China. Choi acknowledged, “Her dad was either a provincial or a federal minister of education. So he’s, like, straight up Communist Party.” By failing to report his relationship—a requirement for Foreign Service Officers who engage with individuals from adversarial nations—Choi put both his position and national security at risk.
Despite the romantic entanglement, Choi expressed his resistance to protocol. “I was supposed to report what I knew about her, but I always thought that was kind of unfair.” This sentiment raises questions about duty versus personal choice, suggesting that Choi prioritized his feelings over his responsibilities to the country.
The State Department has indicated that this incident is under investigation. An official stated that the department maintains a policy of “zero tolerance” for misconduct by its officials, reflecting the serious nature of Choi’s actions. “The incident is under investigation,” the official confirmed, emphasizing the department’s commitment to upholding standards of integrity within its ranks.
Choi’s dismissal marks a historic moment. It is reportedly the first time a Foreign Service Officer has been fired under such circumstances. The implications of this action signal a shift within the State Department, notably a heightened awareness of the potential risks posed by personal ties to foreign nationals, especially those connected to adversarial governments.
With this dismissal, Rubio, with President Trump’s support, sends a clear message: personal relationships with individuals from potential threats will not be tolerated within the halls of American diplomacy. The fallout from this incident will likely continue to be felt as the investigation unfolds, calling into question previous practices and setting new precedents for the future of American foreign relations.
"*" indicates required fields
