Exclusive information obtained solely by Fox News Digital from reliable sources and internal documents reveals an extraordinary and covert expedition undertaken by Ken Paxton, the now-suspended attorney general of Texas. Despite the concerns expressed by his staff regarding potential influence from the Chinese Communist Party, Paxton embarked on a clandestine trip to China alongside other attorneys general.
Between October 30 and November 8, 2019, Paxton, accompanied by his wife Angela, who is a Texas state senator, ventured into Beijing, Hangzhou, Shanghai, and Macau. The Attorney General Alliance (AGA) and the Conference of Western Attorneys General (CWAG) organized this secretive mission. The meticulously crafted itinerary, thoroughly examined by Fox News Digital, outlined the numerous stops along the way.
An anonymous source, well-informed about the excursion, expressed disappointment, deeming the decision unwise. Concerned about potential dangers, they chose to remain anonymous to avoid potential repercussions. They emphasized the risks associated with a U.S. law enforcement agent willingly traveling to China.
Despite the reservations expressed by Paxton’s staff members about potential government influence and surveillance, both Paxton and his wife proceeded with the trip without reporting it, as confirmed by officials familiar with the matter.
Internal documents divulged that luxurious accommodations and transportation were provided to Paxton and the other attorneys general by the AGA and CWAG. The bipartisan group included attorneys general from both Republican and Democratic backgrounds, such as Hector Balderas of New Mexico, Mark Brnovich of Arizona, Wayne Stenehjem of North Dakota, Margaret Chapple, a former deputy attorney general in Connecticut, and Sean Reyes, the current attorney general of Utah. The Balderas, Brnovich, and Reyes families were accompanied by their significant others.
While some participants, including Clare Connors of Hawaii and Brnovich, adhered to the disclosure regulations of their respective states by reporting the trip, others, including Paxton, did not. The attendee list also featured Karen White, the Executive Director of the AGA, as well as representatives from prominent companies such as Microsoft, Alibaba, JUUL, and several law firms and businesses.
Tania Maestas, the Deputy Director and General Counsel of the AGA, shed light on the purpose of these international delegations. She emphasized that the delegations focused on areas of mutual interest such as consumer protection, organized crime, and cybercrime, which are vital aspects of bilateral security relations between the United States and other countries. The aim was to foster economic linkages, cultural ties, and forge alliances through these delegations.
Maestas further highlighted the primary objective of the China International Delegation, which was to combat the sale of counterfeit goods and address violations of intellectual property laws. Given the role of state attorneys general in regulating and enforcing tobacco settlements and addressing vaping-related cases, discussions with Chinese officials centered around the influx of counterfeit vaping products into the U.S. market, prioritizing consumer protection.
The journey commenced in Beijing, where the attorneys general were hosted at a Four Seasons hotel. They engaged with officials from the Chinese federal court, prosecutors, representatives from China State Construction and Engineering, and visited Microsoft offices. Additionally, they embarked on historical tours, including a visit to Tiananmen Square, infamous for the government’s violent suppression of student protests in 1989.
The delegation then proceeded to Hangzhou, where they lodged at a Sheraton resort. They extensively visited the headquarters of Alibaba, a highly regulated e-commerce platform operated by the Chinese government.
In Shanghai, they stayed at a Waldorf Astoria hotel and held meetings with representatives from the law firm Squire Patton Boggs Shanghai, as well as undisclosed “local officials,” while exploring the city.
The final leg of the journey led them to Macau, where they enjoyed a pleasant stay at the Venetian Macau. This segment of the trip primarily offered leisure and relaxation opportunities.
AGA’s bipartisan platform serves as a venue for attorneys general to exchange ideas, establish connections, and enhance enforcement through various activities, including meetings, panels, working groups, and social events. The organization also hosts events that bring together attorneys general from different states, fostering interaction, policy discussions, and long-term relationships with state and international partners.
The Conference of Western Attorneys General, which now operates as one of AGA’s programs, preceded the American Government Association. Financial audits reveal that CWAG’s total assets for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2022, approached $7.5 million.
Critics have raised concerns about AGA’s perceived accommodation of special interests, with Chris Toth, former executive director of the National Association of Attorneys General, highlighting the growing influence of lobbyists and corporate funding in the attorney general arena. Toth specifically mentioned AGA and CWAG, expressing ethical concerns regarding the access provided to attorneys general without adequate vetting mechanisms. It is important to note that Toth’s comments reflect his personal views and not those of the National Association of Attorneys General.
Following a comprehensive investigation that resulted in 20 charges, including abuse of power, obstruction of justice, bribery, and abuse of public trust, the Texas House of Representatives impeached Paxton. Consequently, Paxton was immediately suspended from office and awaits an impeachment trial before the Texas Senate scheduled for August 31. In response to the impeachment vote, Paxton issued a statement denouncing the process as a politically motivated sham, expressing his dissatisfaction with the perceived lack of fairness and justice.