The Trump administration is reportedly advocating for the easing of travel restrictions on controversial influencer Andrew Tate and his brother, Tristan, who are facing criminal charges in Romania.
According to sources, U.S. officials have urged the Romanian government to return the brothers’ passports, allowing them to travel freely while their court proceedings are ongoing.
U.S. Diplomatic Push for the Tates
The Financial Times reports that the U.S. first raised the Tate brothers’ case in a phone call with Romanian officials last week.
The effort was then escalated when Richard Grenell, Trump’s special envoy, met with Romanian Foreign Minister Emil Hurezeanu at the Munich Security Conference.
A source familiar with the meeting claimed that Grenell pressed for the return of the Tates’ passports, although Romanian authorities have not confirmed any official request.
While Foreign Minister Hurezeanu declined to comment on his discussion with Grenell, his spokesperson confirmed the meeting took place, emphasizing that it was initiated by Hurezeanu due to his longstanding relationship with Grenell from their time as ambassadors in Berlin.
The spokesperson also reaffirmed Romania’s commitment to judicial independence and due process.
Grenell, however, downplayed the significance of the interaction, describing it as a brief hallway encounter with no substantive discussion.
Despite this, he has publicly expressed his support for the Tate brothers, posting messages on social media aligning with their claims of political persecution.
Political and Media Support for the Tates
Andrew and Tristan Tate have cultivated a massive following within the “manosphere”, an online movement that promotes male dominance and criticizes feminism.
Their rhetoric and influence have resonated strongly with young conservative men, particularly in the U.S. and Europe.
Tristan Tate has openly boasted about their impact on right-wing political views, a factor that reportedly played a role in Donald Trump’s successful 2025 re-election campaign.
The brothers have also received public backing from high-profile Trump allies, including former Fox News host Tucker Carlson, who has conducted sympathetic interviews with them.
Grenell has recently taken to social media to criticize USAID’s financial involvement in Romania, alleging that the U.S. agency has been “weaponized” against individuals and politicians who oppose progressive ideologies.
This narrative echoes claims by Tristan Tate, who has called for an investigation into whether U.S. government funding played a role in their legal troubles.
Legal Troubles and Potential Extradition
Despite their political backing, the Tate brothers continue to face serious legal challenges.
In Romania, they have been charged with human trafficking, rape, and forming an organized crime group to exploit women.
Their legal proceedings remain ongoing, and they are currently under strict travel restrictions.
In addition, the United Kingdom has issued extradition requests for the brothers in connection with separate allegations of rape and human trafficking.
However, Romanian authorities have stated that any extradition would only be considered after the conclusion of their domestic legal process.
While the Trump administration’s intervention underscores the Tates’ political connections, it remains unclear whether Romania will alter its legal stance in response to U.S. pressure.
For now, the Tate brothers’ fate remains in the hands of the Romanian judiciary.
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