Trump’s Bold Pledge and Context
In October 2024, as he campaigned for a second presidential term, Donald Trump emphatically promised, “100% I’ll get him out. He’ll be easy to get out,” referring to imprisoned Hong Kong media magnate Jimmy Lai a high profile pro democracy activist and Apple Daily founder. Donald Trump later reiterated his intent to raise Lai’s case as part of U.S. China trade negotiations, labelling the idea as “very good” (KCRA, The Financial Express). According to Lai’s aides and campaigners, U.S. officials including Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent were instructed to make his release a diplomatic item during Geneva and London talks (KCRA, The Financial Express, Globedge).
A Trial Reaching Its Climax
As of August 14, 2025, Hong Kong’s national security trial against Lai is entering its final phase. Closing arguments from both the defense and prosecution are underway though proceedings were briefly delayed due to severe rain from Typhoon Podul (The Guardian, Yahoo News NZ).
Lai, now 77, has been detained since December 2020 and spends much of his time in maximum security solitary confinement (The Guardian, The Financial Express). He’s charged under Hong Kong’s national security law with two counts of colluding with foreign forces (potentially punishable by life imprisonment) and a separate sedition-related charge (The Guardian, The Financial Express).
Why Jimmy Lai Matters
Symbol of Press Freedoms
Jimmy Lai, a British citizen and devout Catholic, built a media empire with Apple Daily that became a beacon for press freedom in Hong Kong. His bold critiques of Beijing’s authoritarianism turned him into a symbol of resistance even after the newspaper was forced to shut down under national security pressures (The Financial Express, Le Monde.fr).
International Advocacy
Lai’s advocacy hasn’t gone unnoticed abroad. Support for his release comes from both sides of the U.S. political aisle, the Catholic community, and British leaders such as Prime Minister Keir Starmer and Foreign Secretary David Lammy (The Financial Express, New York Post). The U.S. Consul General in Hong Kong also publicly criticized the erosion of freedoms, citing Lai’s case as emblematic of larger issues in the city’s legal environment (AP News).
Political Stakes and Legal Hurdles
Diplomatic Chess, Domestic Law
Donald Trump pledge to free Lai serves as a test: can human rights be leveraged in high stakes trade talks? Analysts remain skeptical. As Yun Sun of the Stimson Center noted, “Jimmy Lai is British I doubt China will be willing to make a deal,” though trade ambitions could create leverage depending on terms (KCRA, The Financial Express).
Legal Authority Remains with Hong Kong
Hong Kong’s chief executive holds the power under the Basic Law to commute or pardon convicted prisoners, especially those advanced in age or frail in health but only with Beijing’s implicit approval (The Financial Express).
Race Against Time
Supporters express deep concern for Lai’s health. Imprisoned in solitary confinement amid brutal summer heat, and managing diabetes, his continued detention risks martyrdom. “If he dies in prison he’ll be a martyr forever,” warned one advocate (The Financial Express, New York Post).
Meanwhile, Hong Kong authorities caution against foreign interference, insisting the trial follows the rule of law and condemning external commentary as undermining judicial independence (KCRA, AP News).
What Lies Ahead
- Verdict timeline: Judges may deliver their verdict by October 2025 (The Guardian).
- Trump’s influence: Whether Donald Trump fall back into the White House or diplomatic pressure can sway outcomes remains uncertain.
- Legacy of the case: If Lai stands convicted or even sentenced harshly, his case will underscore the shrinking space for dissent and the fragility of Hong Kong’s press freedoms.
