Trump Administration Pressuring Romania Over Andrew Tate: Reports

The Trump administration has pressured Romanian authorities to lift travel restrictions imposed on Andrew and Tristan Tate, according to The Financial Times.

The brothers—dual U.S. and UK nationals—were arrested in December 2022 on allegations of human trafficking, sexual misconduct, and money laundering, all of which they deny. Their case has garnered significant attention within right-wing social media circles, where they are portrayed as martyrs of political persecution.

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 special envoy, 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.”

Newsweek has emailed the U.S. State Department for comment.

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.

Newsweek has contacted Tate’s publicist via email for comment.