Trump likens jailed Hong Kong activist Jimmy Lai to James Comey, vows to raise issue with Xi
On May 11, 2026, President Donald Trump told reporters that he would bring the imprisonment of Hong Kong pro‑democracy publisher Jimmy Lai to the attention of Chinese President Xi Jinping, comparing Lai’s situation to that of former FBI Director James Comey. Lai, founder of the newspaper Apple Daily, has been serving a 20‑year sentence after being convicted of “colluding with foreign forces” under Beijing’s national security law.
Lai’s case has become a flashpoint in the broader conflict over Hong Kong’s autonomy since the 2019 protests and the subsequent 2020 security legislation that many Western governments deem a breach of the “one‑country, two‑systems” promise. The United States has repeatedly condemned the law, imposing sanctions on Chinese officials and offering a pathway to residency for Hong Kong dissidents. Trump’s remark adds a new diplomatic dimension, suggesting a direct appeal to Xi amid already strained U.S.–China relations.
In the PBS NewsHour interview, Trump said, “Jimmy Lai is being treated like James Comey, and that’s not right. I will bring it up with President Xi when I see him next week.” State Department spokesperson Ned Price later clarified that the administration “remains deeply concerned about the erosion of freedoms in Hong Kong” but did not confirm a specific meeting. AP reports that Chinese officials have not responded to Trump’s comments, while Reuters notes that senior U.S. officials see the president’s comparison as a rhetorical move rather than a concrete policy shift.
Experts say the comparison may be more political theater than a substantive policy framework. Professor Laura Cheng of Georgetown University argues that “equating Lai with Comey ignores the vastly different legal contexts and could inflame diplomatic tensions without advancing a clear strategy.” Conversely, human‑rights advocates view Trump’s statement as a potential lever to pressure Beijing, noting that public attention to Lai’s case could bolster international advocacy.
The next week’s expected summit between Trump and Xi, slated for early June, will likely test whether the issue moves beyond rhetoric. Observers will watch for any formal diplomatic note, potential sanctions, or offers of asylum for Hong Kong activists. The outcome could shape the trajectory of U.S. policy toward China’s tightening grip on Hong Kong and influence future legislative actions in Washington.