Mayor of Arcadia Resigns Amid Accusations of Being a Chinese Foreign Agent, Sidesteps FOX 11 Inquiries
Former Arcadia Mayor Eileen Wang Resigns Amid Federal Allegations of Acting as Chinese Agent
ARCADIA, Calif. — Eileen Wang, the former mayor of Arcadia, resigned on Monday following federal allegations that she acted as an unregistered agent for the Chinese government during her time in office. When approached by FOX 11 outside her home, Wang declined to comment on the accusations.
Wang’s resignation, described in her letter to city officials as “personal in nature,” did not address the ongoing federal criminal case against her. Prosecutors allege that between 2020 and 2022, she collaborated with Chinese officials to promote pro-China narratives through a community news website while concealing her connections from the public.
“Essentially, it means she worked in the United States for another government,” said Assistant U.S. Attorney Amanda Elbogen. “She executed directives. She did what they told her to do.”
According to the prosecution, Wang took orders from Chinese officials and disseminated messages linked to China’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Elbogen noted that Wang would express gratitude to her foreign contacts, saying, “Thank you leader,” in response to their commendations.
After her resignation, FOX 11 attempted to question Wang, who appeared taken aback but responded by quickly leaving in her vehicle without engaging in conversation.
The allegations sharply contrast with statements Wang made during her swearing-in ceremony earlier this year, where she vowed to “support and defend the Constitution of the United States” and opposed foreign interference in American politics.
The case also has personal ties; Wang’s fiancé is currently serving a four-year prison sentence after pleading guilty to similar charges last year.
In response to the situation, Arcadia city officials expressed their unawareness of the depth of Wang’s alleged ties to China. “Honestly, we’re not aware of what her connections in China and to what extent they’d be,” Deputy City Manager Justine Bruno stated.
Arcadia City Manager Dominic Lazzaretto emphasized the seriousness of the allegations in a released statement, noting, “The allegations at the center of this case, that a foreign government sought to exert influence over a local elected official, are deeply troubling.”
Residents have voiced concerns as well. Neighbor Cari Freeman remarked on Wang’s odd behavior, including frequent visitors and phone calls taken from her car.
FBI Director Kash Patel commented on the matter via social media, affirming that federal authorities are diligently working to eliminate such influence within American institutions.
Wang is anticipated to formally plead guilty in the coming weeks, facing a maximum prison sentence of 10 years. The Arcadia City Council will convene shortly to appoint a new Mayor and Mayor Pro Tem from among the remaining council members and discuss representation for District 3 until the next election cycle in November 2026.
