A U.S. State Department foreign service officer has reportedly been dismissed after secretly maintaining a romantic relationship with the daughter of a Chinese Communist Party (CCP) affiliate and failing to disclose it to security officials, according to statements released by the department.

The controversy emerged after undercover footage published by O’Keefe Media Group allegedly showed the officer, identified as Choi, discussing the relationship and admitting he knowingly concealed it from government authorities. In the video, Choi reportedly stated that his girlfriend’s father was “straight-up Communist Party” and acknowledged that she “could have been a spy.”

During the recording, Choi also said, “I defied my government for love,” while describing how he chose not to report the relationship despite diplomatic security rules requiring disclosure of close relationships with foreign nationals.

A State Department spokesperson said the dismissal may be the first termination carried out under Executive Order 14211, signed earlier this year by President Donald Trump. The order strengthens presidential authority over foreign service personnel and states that employees responsible for implementing U.S. foreign policy must do so under the direction of the president. Failure to comply, the order notes, may lead to disciplinary action, including dismissal.

In a formal statement, the department said the officer admitted on camera that he concealed the relationship even though he understood the potential security concerns involved. Officials stated that such actions violated established reporting requirements designed to protect against espionage, coercion, and foreign influence.

Counterintelligence experts have long warned that foreign governments, including China, may use personal relationships and social connections to gather information from American officials. Security specialists say undisclosed romantic ties involving individuals connected to foreign governments can create serious vulnerabilities for diplomats and intelligence personnel.

According to reports, Choi claimed his girlfriend’s father held a senior role within China’s education system connected to the CCP. After the footage became public, Secretary of State Marco Rubio reportedly recommended immediate termination, citing national security risks and the importance of enforcing accountability within the diplomatic corps.

The State Department emphasized that all foreign service officers are expected to follow strict security protocols and disclose any continuing contact with foreign nationals who may have ties to foreign governments.