A lobbying firm named Checkmate, led by Ches McDowell, an associate of Donald Trump Jr., played a crucial role in helping the Chinese pharmaceutical company Grand Pharmaceutical Group navigate a national security challenge posed by FastWave, a Minnesota-based startup. The U.S. Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States (CFIUS) ultimately rejected FastWave's petition for review, which sought to force the divestment of Grand Pharma's stake in the company. This decision is notable as it favors a foreign firm in a sensitive investment dispute. Checkmate facilitated a meeting between Grand Pharma's counsel and senior Treasury officials, where the company argued that the issue was a commercial disagreement rather than a national security threat. Following the meeting, CFIUS dismissed FastWave's filing, citing material misstatements in its submissions. FastWave, which develops laser-based medical technology, expressed concerns that Grand Pharma could access sensitive intellectual property with military applications and claimed the Chinese firm obstructed its fundraising efforts. The startup is now facing potential bankruptcy and criticized the unequal access to CFIUS officials during the review process. Experts and lawmakers have raised alarms over the implications of foreign firms using politically connected lobbyists to influence U.S. decision-making, while the White House has defended the integrity of the CFIUS process.