In early 2025, Andrew Tate was still fighting serious criminal allegations in Romania. By February, he was boarding a private jet to Florida. The path between those two moments reveals an unusual mix of political influence, back-channel conversations and the growing power of Tate’s online following. Tate and his brother, Tristan, had been barred from leaving Romania for more than two years while prosecutors pursued rape, trafficking and organized crime charges. Officials had repeatedly argued that the Tates posed both a flight risk and a threat to potential victims.
Yet weeks before Donald Trump’s second inauguration, Tate sent a text message to a close contact hinting at outside support. He wrote that people inside the incoming administration were handling the situation. Within weeks, prosecutors in Romania received instructions from the highest levels of government to negotiate a compromise and remove the travel ban, a decision that stunned the team building the case, the New York Times reported.
The role of American political allies
When the brothers landed in Florida on February 27, Tate told followers they were “massively back.” Their sudden freedom sparked immediate questions about American involvement. A Times investigation found that several allies of the brothers had moved into influential roles within the new government and had privately advocated for them.
Richard Grenell, now a special envoy, discussed the case on two occasions with Romanian officials. Alina Habba, a senior adviser to President Trump, had publicly voiced sympathy for Tate before taking office. Shortly after Grenell’s second interaction in Munich, Romanian prosecutors were directed to lift travel restrictions. The Romanian prime minister believed the move would satisfy Washington. The White House has said it had no role in the matter.
How Tate built influence on the American right
Tate’s political connections did not form overnight. His ascent from a former kickboxer to a dominant online personality attracted young male audiences and a range of conservative media figures. Tucker Carlson travelled to Romania for a long interview in 2023, portraying Tate as a target of political forces. Candace Owens flew to Bucharest for a similarly sympathetic piece.
The brothers also developed ties to the Trump family. Tate and Donald Trump Jr. had exchanged messages for years. In 2024, Tate also spoke with Barron Trump in a video call, according to a mutual acquaintance. Their shared audience of young male voters helped cement the relationship.
Legal problems in three countries
The lifting of travel restrictions did not resolve Tate’s legal jeopardy. Romanian prosecutors continue to pursue charges that accuse the brothers of coercing more than thirty women into producing sexual content. British authorities have prepared separate trafficking and rape charges based on earlier incidents. American Homeland Security investigators have also been gathering information about the Tates for several years.
After the brothers arrived in the United States, a girlfriend accused Andrew Tate of assault. Prosecutors declined to bring charges due to insufficient evidence. Both sides later filed civil lawsuits.
A divisive figure on the right
The Tate brothers’ arrival in Florida triggered visible discomfort among some conservatives. Ron DeSantis said the brothers were not welcome in the state. Megyn Kelly denounced their behaviour as the clearest example of toxic masculinity. Ben Shapiro joined the criticism. Others quietly retreated from earlier supportive statements.
Despite their brief celebration in Miami, the brothers have not returned to the United States since. They continue to travel between Romania, Turkey and the UAE while attempting to rebuild their brand. What remains unresolved is how two men facing extensive allegations managed to leave a country that still expects them to stand trial.
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