A U.S. State Department foreign service officer, Daniel Choi, has been fired after being caught on hidden camera admitting to a secret romantic relationship with the daughter of a Chinese Communist Party (CCP) affiliate—an undisclosed connection that violated national security protocols.

The footage, released by O’Keefe Media Group, showed Choi admitting that his girlfriend’s father was “straight-up Communist Party” and that she “could have been a spy.” Choi further confessed, “I defied my government for love,” despite knowing he was required to report the relationship under department rules.

Secretary of State Marco Rubio, with President Donald Trump’s approval, ordered Choi’s termination following an internal investigation. The action was taken under Executive Order 14211, which strengthens accountability for foreign service personnel and authorizes dismissal for failing to carry out the President’s foreign policy directives.

In its statement, the State Department emphasized that Choi knowingly concealed the relationship, posing a potential national security risk. Officials noted this is likely the first dismissal under the new executive order, highlighting the seriousness of the violation.

Experts have long warned of China’s use of romantic and social ties to gather intelligence. A former senior intelligence official called Choi’s actions a “massive vulnerability,” regardless of intent. Rubio, known for his hardline stance on Chinese influence, acted swiftly, citing the need for accountability and strict adherence to security standards. The case underscores rising concerns about foreign infiltration through personal relationships within U.S. government institutions.