The Daily Threats and Cash: How China Meddles in U.S. Local Elections
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Aug 28, 2025 Michael Forsythe, a reporter on the investigations team at The New York Times, dives into the surprising ways China is meddling in U.S. local elections. He discusses a bizarre incident involving cash-filled envelopes hidden in potato chips during a mayoral campaign in New York. Forsythe reveals how community organizations have challenged politicians opposing China’s regime and explores the implications of these foreign influences on American democracy, particularly within New York's ethnic Chinese community.
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Chips With Cash At A Campaign Event
- Katie Honan received a bag of chips from Winnie Greco that contained a red envelope with $300 inside.
- Honan refused the money and later discovered the cash at the subway station, sparking questions about motive.
A Coordinated Influence System
- The Chinese government built a sophisticated system to influence New York elections to suppress dissenting views.
- Their goal is to promote policies aligned with the Communist Party and discourage opposition in diaspora communities.
State Senator's Banquet Sparks Backlash
- Iwen Chu, born in Taiwan, became the first Asian-American New York state senator after immigrating and working as a Chinese-language reporter.
- She attended a banquet hosted by Taiwan's president, which triggered backlash from parts of her constituency.