Andrew and Tristan Tate arrived in Florida on Thursday, where Donald Trump is expected to be this weekend, sparking online rumors that the brothers may visit the president there.
Newsweek has contacted a representative for Andrew Tate via email for comment.
Why It Matters
Andrew Tate and his brother, Tristan, had been in Romania facing charges of human trafficking, sexual misconduct and money laundering. Their case has garnered significant attention within right-wing social media circles, where they are portrayed as martyrs of political persecution.
The pair, who deny all of the accusations, were under a travel ban as the criminal investigation continued. However, the Romanian government recently lifted these restrictions, allowing them to return to the U.S.
What to Know
Trump is believed to be set to spend this weekend at his Mar-a-Lago residence, according to The Palm Beach Daily News and FAA temporary restrictions “for VIP movement” in Palm Beach.
Despite multiple people discussing the possibility of a visit by the Tates, there is no evidence that this will take place.
In fact, Trump said at a press conference alongside U.K. Prime Minister Keir Starmer, that “I know nothing about that,” when asked about the Tate brothers’ arrival in Florida.
Conversely, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis issued a direct condemnation in which he spoke directly to the brothers. “Florida is not a place where you’re welcome with that type of conduct,” he said.
State Attorney General James Uthmeier took to social media to announce that his office would conduct a “preliminary inquiry” into the brothers.
Before the travel ban was lifted on the brothers, U.S. officials discussed the Tates’ case with the Romanian government. Romanian Foreign Minister Emil Hurezeanu confirmed a meeting with U.S. envoy Richard Grenell, but denied that his government faced undue pressure in the matter.
The Tates—dual U.S.-British citizens—were arrested in late 2022 and formally indicted last year. They face charges of operating a criminal ring that lured women to Romania, where they were allegedly sexually exploited. Andrew Tate was also charged with rape. Both brothers deny the allegations.
What People Are Saying
Richard Grenell, the U.S. presidential envoy for special missions, told the Financial Times: “I support the Tate brothers, as evident from my publicly available tweets.”
In a written statement, Andrew and Tristan Tate’s attorneys said: “Their sole focus is on ensuring due process is followed and proving their innocence in a court of law.”
What Happens Next
The Tate brothers will have to return to Romania later this year, as they are still under the “judicial control” of the Romanian special prosecutor’s service. Their criminal proceedings are ongoing despite them being allowed to travel outside of the country.
Andrew Tate has previously said he would move back to the U.S. following Trump’s election victory in November. “MAGA!” he told Newsweek at the time.
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