Senate Democrats warn Trump: Don’t trade away national security secrets for China deal

As President Donald Trump meets Chinese President Xi Jinping in Asia on Thursday, a group of Senate Democrats has warned against trading away U.S. national security protections for the sake of a deal.

In a letter led by Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, Democrats urged Trump to maintain strict export controls, investment curbs, and security partnerships with allies, saying these must not be on the negotiating table. The lawmakers also cautioned against weakening the Treasury Department’s new Outbound Investment Security Program, which restricts U.S. firms from aiding the development of advanced technologies in China and other rival nations.

The warning underscores mounting concern in Washington that Trump may seek to strike a politically symbolic accord with Beijing by softening long-standing restrictions on sensitive technology transfers, even as tensions remain high over trade, defense, and critical minerals supply chains.

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The warning highlights political resistance in Washington to any easing of U.S.-China tech restrictions. Markets will watch for signs Trump might temper export controls or investment rules as part of a broader trade framework with Xi.