The Trump administration has urged Romanian authorities to lift travel restrictions on influencer Andrew Tate and his brother, Tristan Tate, as they await trial on charges including human trafficking, sexual misconduct, and money laundering, according to a report by the Financial Times.
The 37-year-old is currently under house arrest in Romania and is awaiting trial on human trafficking charges. His brother, 36, and two Romanian women are also awaiting trial.
Newsweek reached out to the U.S. State Department and Tate’s publicist for comment via email on Monday.
Why It Matters
The brothers, who hold dual United States and United Kingdom citizenship, were arrested alongside two Romanian women in December 2022 on charges of human trafficking, sexual misconduct, and money laundering, all of which they deny. Andrew Tate also faces an additional rape charge.
Their case has garnered significant attention within right-wing social media circles, where they are portrayed as martyrs of political persecution. With a strong following in the “manosphere”—an online movement that promotes male dominance and opposes feminism—the brothers have become influential figures among conservative social media users.
What To Know
U.S. officials initially broached the subject during a phone call with the Romanian government, advocating for the return of the Tates’ passports and permission for them to travel while awaiting court proceedings, the FT reported.
This diplomatic effort was further amplified when Richard Grenell, President Donald Trump’s U.S. envoy for special missions, met with Romanian Foreign Minister Emil Hurezeanu at the Munich Security Conference last week.
While Hurezeanu declined to comment on the specifics of their discussion, his spokesperson emphasized the independence of the Romanian judiciary, stating that courts operate based on the law and due process.
Grenell, acknowledging his support for the Tates to the FT, has publicly criticized the role of U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) funds in Romania, suggesting they have been “weaponized against people and politicians who weren’t woke.”
Andrew Tate has previously said he would move back to the U.S. following Trump’s election victory in November.
Vice President JD Vance recently criticized Romanian authorities for annulling a presidential election in December, calling it an example of Europe’s alleged crackdown on right-wing figures.
Source : https://www.newsweek.com/trump-administration-pressuring-romania-over-andrew-tate-reports-2032237