Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›
A lobbying firm led by one of Donald Trump Jr.’s hunting buddies helped a Chinese company make its case to a U.S. national security watchdog against a U.S. startup that was seeking to have the Chinese firm removed as one of its investors. The watchdog rejected the U.S. firm’s request for a national security review of the Chinese firm’s investment.
Why it matters
This case highlights the influence of partisan political connections in Washington, where lobbyists with ties to powerful figures can sway decisions by government agencies on sensitive national security matters involving foreign companies.
The details
The lobbying firm, led by a Trump Jr. hunting buddy, represented the Chinese company Kunlun Tech as it fought against a request by U.S. startup Grindr to have Kunlun’s investment in the company reviewed on national security grounds. Despite the U.S. firm’s concerns, the watchdog rejected the request, allowing Kunlun to maintain its stake.
- In 2026, Kunlun Tech hired a lobbying firm led by a Trump Jr. hunting buddy.
- In 2026, the U.S. national security watchdog rejected Grindr’s request to review Kunlun Tech’s investment.
The players
Kunlun Tech
A Chinese company that invested in the U.S. startup Grindr and fought against a request to have its investment reviewed on national security grounds.
Grindr
A U.S. startup that sought to have the U.S. national security watchdog review Kunlun Tech’s investment in the company.
The takeaway
This case highlights the outsized influence that political connections can have in Washington, where well-connected lobbyists can sway decisions by government agencies on sensitive national security matters involving foreign companies.
Click Here For The Original Source
