# Elaine Chao ties to Chinese Communist Party

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/elaine-chao-ties-to-chinese-communist-party
> Updated: 2026-09-13T18:52:30.000Z. Sources: 10. Developments: 2.

Reports from the Daily Caller News Foundation indicate that former U.S. Cabinet Secretary Elaine Chao held multiple positions appointed by Chinese Communist Party (CCP) officials. These roles, some linked to the United Front Work Department, reportedly occurred since 2008 and overlapped with her service as U.S. Secretary of Labor and Secretary of Transportation.

Investigations suggest these positions were not disclosed during her 2017 Senate confirmation process. The House Select Committee on the Chinese Communist Party has described the United Front Work Department as an entity that uses influence activities to shape political environments and foreign policy toward the People’s Republic of China.

## Timeline

### 2026-09-13: Elaine Chao linked to organizations tied to Chinese Communist Party

Former cabinet secretary Elaine Chao reportedly held undisclosed roles in organizations affiliated with the Chinese Communist Party’s United Front Work Department.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/elaine-chao-linked-to-organizations-tied-to-chinese-communist-party

### 2026-09-09: Elaine Chao reportedly held CCP-linked positions during U.S. Cabinet service

Elaine Chao reportedly held multiple Chinese government positions since 2008, some during her U.S. Cabinet tenure, while Senator Mitch McConnell remains absent from public duties following a June medical event.

9 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/elaine-chao-reportedly-held-ccp-appointments-during-us-cabinet-service

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Cite as: Elaine Chao ties to Chinese Communist Party. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/elaine-chao-ties-to-chinese-communist-party