President Donald Trump signaled he may press Chinese President Xi Jinping to release pro-democracy figure Jimmy Lai during their meeting set for next week, as CNA reports.

The possible intervention follows an appeal from a bipartisan coalition of U.S. senators urging Trump to act as Lai’s national security trial edges dangerously close to conviction.

Speaking to reporters on October 24 while boarding Marine One, Trump acknowledged that bringing up Lai’s imprisonment is under consideration, saying, “It’s on my list.” That quiet but telling comment sends a pointed message: despite years of delays, Lai’s unjust detention hasn’t fallen off the radar just yet.

Bipartisan Senate Letter Demands Action

Trump’s remarks came just hours after a notable cross-party effort from several senators pushed him to advocate directly with Xi. The letter, led by Sen. Rick Scott and cosigned by Mitch McConnell, Ted Cruz, Tim Kaine, and Raphael Warnock, called on Trump to leverage his platform and press for Lai’s immediate release.

“The humanitarian case for Mr. Lai’s release is stronger and more dire than ever,” the senators wrote, highlighting Lai’s declining health and emphasizing that the issue “must be addressed at the highest possible level.”

The letter commended Trump for his earlier promises to support Lai, stating that they had “great confidence” Xi would understand the stakes if Trump chose to speak up. Evidently, the senators understand that, love him or hate him, when Trump speaks, even Beijing listens.

The Case of Jimmy Lai: A Symbol of Resistance

Jimmy Lai, a Hong Kong media tycoon and Catholic convert, has become something of a lightning rod in China’s sweeping crackdown on dissent. Since 2020, he’s been behind bars on multiple charges, including fraud and unauthorized assembly—allegations widely viewed as political punishment.

He’s pleaded not guilty to charges brought under Beijing’s draconian national security law, one many critics argue was designed to silence precisely the kind of vocal opposition Lai represents. Hong Kong authorities claim law and order; the rest of the free world sees a blatant assault on civil liberties.

Trump seemed to acknowledge the stakes involved when he noted, “Jimmy Lai and President Xi are big enemies.” That may be an understatement, but it underscores the seriousness of inserting this topic into an already tense diplomatic conversation.

Pressure From Congress And Catholic Leaders

Support for Lai’s release isn’t limited to Capitol Hill. In 2023, a U.S. congressional commission went so far as to recommend sanctions on Hong Kong officials if he wasn’t released. That’s not political theater—it’s a signal to the Chinese Communist Party that America’s concern isn’t going away.

Faith leaders, too, have taken notice. A global coalition of Catholic bishops and archbishops called on Beijing to end the drawn-out legal harassment against Lai, who became Catholic in 1997 and wears his belief as a badge of courage—something rare and brave in China’s current climate.

Lai’s story echoes louder for those watching religious freedom erode around the world under authoritarian regimes. If we’re still pretending to care about that sort of thing in international affairs, one would hope it finds a place in Trump’s discussion with Xi.

Trump May Be Lai's Best Shot

For all the noise from Washington, it’s Trump who might have the most leverage—and, ironically, the most credibility in Xi’s eyes—to push the issue forward. When asked about whether he would bring up the case, Trump said, “Well, I have a lot of respect for Rick Scott. And a lot of them that are asking me to do that. And it's on my list. I’m gonna ask.”

It’s classic Trump: unscripted but direct, signaling intent without over-committing. Cynics may scoff, but this kind of off-the-cuff promise often precedes high-stakes diplomacy that gets results.

And if there’s one thing Trump has demonstrated on the world stage, it’s that unpredictability can be a powerful bargaining chip. Xi may not fear sternly worded letters, but he might pay attention if Trump turns Jimmy Lai into a featured topic at the negotiation table.

Lai Receives Recognition Despite Imprisonment

Despite the iron bars, Lai has not been forgotten. In 2025, he was awarded the Bradley Prize for his work defending democracy—a bold gesture meant to keep international attention on his plight, and not let authoritarian regimes rewrite the narrative unchallenged.

The timing of Lai’s award only adds weight to the current calls for his release. It's a reminder that even when jailed, truth-tellers can still gain traction with the public. Beijing may not appreciate the symbolism, but it may serve as another reason for Trump to raise the stakes.

As Trump readies for next week’s meeting with Xi, all eyes should be on whether words will become action. Lai’s health, freedom, and legacy are all hanging in the balance.