Trump promises to secure release of Jimmy Lai, as Hong Kong court prepares to decide the tycoon's future
Jimmy Lai Remains Imprisoned as Trial Nears End
Jimmy Lai, the 77-year-old self-made billionaire and founder of the now-shuttered pro-democracy tabloid newspaper, Apple Daily, continues to serve time in a maximum-security prison in Hong Kong. His trial, which has been repeatedly delayed, is approaching its final stages. Lai, who is diabetic, has spent much of his imprisonment in prolonged solitary confinement, and his health has significantly deteriorated.
International Pressure and Promises
Before his 2024 re-election, former US President Donald Trump promised to secure Lai's release and claimed he would "100%" get him out. Trump indicated he would raise Lai's case directly with Chinese leader Xi Jinping and suggested linking the issue to ongoing US-China trade negotiations. However, nearly a year after his initial promise, Lai is still in custody, and Trump's public certainty has softened to saying he is "doing everything" to help.
Informal mentions of Lai's case have occurred in diplomatic meetings, but Beijing firmly considers this foreign interference unacceptable and has rejected calls to release Lai. The Treasury Department did not respond to a request for comment regarding Lai's case being brought up in the trade talks.
Support from US Politicians
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio considered getting Lai out of jail a "priority." In 2019, Lai's case was discussed with then Vice President Mike Pence and other US politicians. British Foreign Secretary David Lammy called Lai's imprisonment "cruel and unusual punishment" and described the case as "a priority for the UK government." A bipartisan group of US House representatives introduced a bill to rename the street in front of the Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office in Washington as "1 Jimmy Lai Way."
Lai's Legal Standing
Lai stands accused of colluding with foreign forces and running a sour website, charges that are punishable by life in prison under the 2020 national security law imposed by Beijing. Lai's lawyers have countered that he had stopped any acts prohibited under the national security law after it came into effect on June 30, 2020.
Lai's Family and Supporters
Jimmy Lai's son, Sebastien, expressed gratitude for Donald Trump's promise to free his father. Sebastien Lai believes Trump has a strong track record in freeing prisoners around the world. Jimmy Lai has long held the conviction that the US government should support Hong Kong's civil liberties.
Dozens of people lined up outside the courthouse on Friday to support Lai as his trial is set to hear closing arguments from both defense and prosecutors.
As of August 2025, Lai remains in prison in Hong Kong, and his fate now largely hinges on Hong Kong and Beijing’s legal and political decisions. Some observers consider a conviction likely but speculate the mainland government might still intervene for humanitarian reasons given Lai’s declining health.
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References:
- BBC News
- Reuters
- South China Morning Post
- The Guardian
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio and British Foreign Secretary David Lammy have both categorized securing Jimmy Lai's release as a priority, considering it a matter of general news and politics. Despite promises from former US President Donald Trump to intervene and bring up Lai's case during trade negotiations, there has been little progress in this regard, exemplifying the complex ties between crime-and-justice and international relations. Jimmy Lai's son, Sebastien, remains hopeful that Trump can help, expecting favorable treatment based on Trump's past record of freeing prisoners.
