U.S. President Donald Trump has promised that his administration will “do everything we can” to assist jailed Hong Kong publisher Jimmy Lai, ahead of the closing arguments in Lai’s trial under Beijing’s national security law.

In a radio interview on Thursday, President Trump revealed that he had already raised Lai’s case with Chinese officials.

“I’ve already brought it up and I am going to do everything I can to save him. I’m going to do everything,” Trump said. “His name has already entered the circle of things we’re talking about, and we’ll see what we can do.”

Trump’s reaffirmed commitment to advocating for Lai’s release follows similar calls from the European Union, the United Kingdom, and Australia. This international pressure also highlights the silence of Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney, despite Lai’s close connections to Canada.

The president did not specify how he raised the issue or what steps he plans next. The U.S. and China remain engaged in tense trade negotiations after Trump’s escalation of tariffs earlier this year, with Trump indicating that he would meet Chinese President Xi Jinping if a deal is reached.

Before last year’s election, Trump said he was “100 percent” committed to discussing Lai with Xi, and earlier this year he said Lai’s situation would be “part of the negotiation” in trade talks. On Thursday, however, Trump tempered expectations, saying he is “100 percent” sure he will raise the issue but stopped short of guaranteeing Lai’s release, noting that President Xi “would not be exactly thrilled” to free him.

Jimmy Lai, who founded the pro-democracy Apple Daily newspaper, was arrested in 2020 under the national security law imposed by Beijing amid widespread protests. Critics argue the law is used to suppress free speech and dissent.

The 77-year-old has been held in solitary confinement in a maximum-security prison for nearly five years. He has diabetes, and his lawyers warn that the extremely hot conditions behind bars are severely affecting his health.

Lai’s trial, delayed by a rainstorm this week, was scheduled for closing arguments on Friday but was adjourned after just 15 minutes due to concerns about his health. Medical officials recommended Lai wear a heart monitor during the hearings, but since it was not yet available, judges postponed the trial until next week.

Lai’s lawyer said his client was fatigued but in relatively good health considering his age. Supporters and family abroad continue to express concern over his wellbeing as a reason for his release.

Lai has strong ties to Canada—his mother was Canadian, his sister lives there, and he owns several businesses including restaurants and hotels. Charges against him include “collusion with foreign forces,” partly due to his communications with Canadian lawmakers. Prosecutors allege he helped organise anti-government protests in 2019 and lobbied for foreign sanctions against Chinese officials.

Irwin Cotler, Lai’s Canadian lawyer and former justice minister, said Trump’s support reflects growing international political consensus that could influence China by linking the case to Beijing’s trade and diplomatic interests.

Cotler described Lai’s prison conditions as “torturous,” and said his worsening health amounts to “a slow-moving execution.” He called on Canada’s government to take stronger leadership, noting bipartisan support in the U.S., including from figures like former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi.

In June, Liberal MP Judy Sgro sought to introduce a motion in Canada’s House of Commons to grant Lai honorary citizenship. Despite broad backing, the motion was blocked by the Government House Leader, who objected to its introduction without debate.

Amnesty International and other human rights organisations also urged Canada to raise Lai’s case at the G7 summit hosted by Prime Minister Carney in June, but no official response was given.

Internationally, British Prime Minister Keir Starmer directly raised Lai’s case with President Xi last year. The European Union and Australia have also pressed China over Lai’s detention, condemning it as part of a crackdown on civil society and the press.