Jimmy Lai owned the Peking-critical magazine Apple Daily based in Hong Kong before China took control of the formerly self-governing island.
After China introduced a highly controversial security law, Lai was accused of promoting foreign sanctions against Hong Kong and China, and has been detained since 2020. Lai denies the allegations.
Prior to his trip to Asia, where Trump will meet with leaders of several countries, the president has said that he will bring up the case with Chinese President Xi Jinping, after several members of Congress urged Trump to raise the issue.
He is also expected to bring up Taiwan during the meeting with Xi Jinping.
