The U.S. Department of Justice has officially begun the trial of Chinese American businessman Xinyue “Daniel” Lou. Prosecutors allege that in 2019, Lou arranged a “straw donation” for a political fundraising event for former President Donald Trump, helping Chinese nationals indirectly contribute money and gain close access to Trump, thereby circumventing federal laws that prohibit foreign citizens from making political donations in the United States. Jury selection has been completed, and the trial is expected to last about one week.
According to the indictment, Lou faces two federal charges: conspiracy to defraud the United States, and making political contributions in the names of others. Prosecutors claim that Lou arranged for several U.S. citizens or lawful residents to donate in their own names on behalf of foreign nationals, totaling more than $25,000. In return, the donors allegedly received VIP access and photo opportunities at political events. The Justice Department stated that such conduct undermines the transparency and fairness of the American political fundraising system. If convicted, Lou could face up to five years in prison and substantial fines.
Lou, through his attorney, has denied all charges, asserting that all donations came from legitimate sources with no foreign money involved. He said he was merely helping friends participate in political events and “did not realize there might be any violations.” The defense has accused prosecutors of politicizing the case and turning what it describes as “a routine fundraising activity” into an international issue.
According to media reports, Lou was born in Zhejiang, China, and graduated from Peking University’s Department of Philosophy in 1988. He later worked as a reporter for the English-language weekly Beijing Review. In 1993, he came to the United States to study journalism at Columbia University, earning a master’s degree. After graduation, he worked for Chinese-language newspaper World Journal in New York before starting his own business focused on cultural exchange and investment consulting.
During the 2016 presidential election, Lou became active in U.S. politics. He organized a group of about 30 Chinese American guests to attend a Republican National Committee fundraising dinner at New York’s Cipriani restaurant, where each participant contributed $2,700. The event brought him to the attention of the Republican National Committee, which later offered him an official volunteer position under then-chair Ronna McDaniel, tasking him with outreach to Asian American donors. Lou also claimed to have served as the New York state vice chair for the Trump–Pence 2016 campaign and later became the finance chair for Trump’s 2020 reelection campaign, focusing on Asian American fundraising. According to Federal Election Commission (FEC) records, Lou’s total donations to various Republican political committees amount to nearly $50,000.
Lou has said that his political involvement stems from personal conviction and his belief in American values. He denied any external influence and stated that his goal was to encourage more Asian Americans to participate in politics and public life. The Justice Department, meanwhile, has reiterated that it will rigorously investigate any political contributions that may involve foreign money.
The case has drawn significant attention from the Chinese American community. Many observers believe it highlights the complex reality of Chinese Americans participating in U.S. politics—balancing a desire to engage in the political mainstream with the persistent scrutiny surrounding their identity and allegiance. The outcome of Lou’s trial will not only determine his personal fate but may also serve as a reference point for future discussions about the role of Chinese Americans in U.S. political life.
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