US warns China intelligence targeting fired federal workers

The Trump administration is warning federal workers about efforts by Chinese intelligence to target current and former U.S. officials for recruitment.

The National Counterintelligence and Security Center (NCSC) warned that current and former workers are being targeted by Chinese intelligence officials posing as “consulting firms, corporate headhunters, think tanks, and other entities on social and professional networking sites.”

The center warned that contact could come via email or messaging platforms, and federal workers should not accept online invitations to connect with strangers.

The NCSC warned that deceptive practices have become “more sophisticated” and have targeted individuals with a federal government background who are seeking new employment.

“Current and former federal employees should beware of these approaches and understand the consequences of engaging,” the center said in its warning.

The Chinese foreign ministry said it was not aware of the situation and accused the U.S. of spying on China, Reuters reported.

The warning comes as the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), under the Trump administration, has pushed to lay off hundreds of thousands of employees, leaving many former federal workers looking for a job.

Rebecca Beitsch contributed.