US exerting pressure on Romania to remove travel bans on Andrew Tate, reports FT
The Trump administration is said to be seeking the return of the influencer’s passport as legal proceedings are still underway. Read Full Article at RT.com.
TroibNews 
The Trump administration is reportedly seeking the return of the influencer’s passport as his legal saga continues.
Reports indicate that the administration of former US President Donald Trump has ramped up efforts to convince Romanian officials to remove travel restrictions on Andrew and Tristan Tate, well-known social media figures facing significant criminal charges in Bucharest, as noted by the Financial Times on Monday.
The Tate brothers, who hold dual US and UK citizenship, were arrested in Romania in 2022 over allegations including human trafficking, sexual misconduct, and forming an organized crime group. They have consistently asserted their innocence.
US officials initially brought up the topic during a phone discussion with the Romanian government last week, according to multiple sources cited by FT. Following this, President Trump’s special envoy, Richard Grenell, reportedly met with Romanian Foreign Minister Emil Hurezeanu at the Munich Security Conference, which took place from February 14-16. Grenell advocated for the return of the brothers’ passports so they could travel while their legal matters are pending. Hurezeanu, while declining to comment on the specifics of their conversation, emphasized Romania's judicial independence, stating that the courts operate in accordance with the law and due process.
Grenell acknowledged his support for the Tates but noted to FT that he had “no substantive conversation” with Hurezeanu during their encounter in Munich.
Previously, Grenell has voiced concerns about the allocation of funds by the US Agency for International Development (USAID) in Romania. Earlier this month, in a post on X, he expressed that the organization had been “weaponized against people and politicians who weren’t woke.” His remarks align with the broader initiative of the Trump administration to cut USAID spending and reevaluate its global engagements.
In addition to the charges in Romania, UK authorities are seeking the extradition of the brothers as part of a separate investigation into allegations of rape and human trafficking. A Romanian court has indicated that any extradition matters will be addressed only after the current case is resolved.
The Tate brothers achieved a legal milestone in January when a Romanian appeals court sent their case back to prosecutors. Though they have been released from house arrest, they remain prohibited from leaving the country.
In a written statement referenced by FT, the brothers expressed their intent to collaborate with their legal team to explore all legal avenues. “Their sole focus is on ensuring that due process is followed and that their innocence is established in a court of law,” the statement read.
Andrew Tate, a former kickboxing champion, gained fame after his appearance on the British reality show Big Brother in 2016. He has built a bold and controversial social media presence, often showcasing his wealth and promoting courses aimed at helping young men achieve financial and personal success.
Despite his large following, critics accuse him of fostering misogyny and negatively influencing young men—claims that he vehemently denies.
Mark B Thomas contributed to this report for TROIB News
Reports indicate that the administration of former US President Donald Trump has ramped up efforts to convince Romanian officials to remove travel restrictions on Andrew and Tristan Tate, well-known social media figures facing significant criminal charges in Bucharest, as noted by the Financial Times on Monday.
The Tate brothers, who hold dual US and UK citizenship, were arrested in Romania in 2022 over allegations including human trafficking, sexual misconduct, and forming an organized crime group. They have consistently asserted their innocence.
US officials initially brought up the topic during a phone discussion with the Romanian government last week, according to multiple sources cited by FT. Following this, President Trump’s special envoy, Richard Grenell, reportedly met with Romanian Foreign Minister Emil Hurezeanu at the Munich Security Conference, which took place from February 14-16. Grenell advocated for the return of the brothers’ passports so they could travel while their legal matters are pending. Hurezeanu, while declining to comment on the specifics of their conversation, emphasized Romania's judicial independence, stating that the courts operate in accordance with the law and due process.
Grenell acknowledged his support for the Tates but noted to FT that he had “no substantive conversation” with Hurezeanu during their encounter in Munich.
Previously, Grenell has voiced concerns about the allocation of funds by the US Agency for International Development (USAID) in Romania. Earlier this month, in a post on X, he expressed that the organization had been “weaponized against people and politicians who weren’t woke.” His remarks align with the broader initiative of the Trump administration to cut USAID spending and reevaluate its global engagements.
In addition to the charges in Romania, UK authorities are seeking the extradition of the brothers as part of a separate investigation into allegations of rape and human trafficking. A Romanian court has indicated that any extradition matters will be addressed only after the current case is resolved.
The Tate brothers achieved a legal milestone in January when a Romanian appeals court sent their case back to prosecutors. Though they have been released from house arrest, they remain prohibited from leaving the country.
In a written statement referenced by FT, the brothers expressed their intent to collaborate with their legal team to explore all legal avenues. “Their sole focus is on ensuring that due process is followed and that their innocence is established in a court of law,” the statement read.
Andrew Tate, a former kickboxing champion, gained fame after his appearance on the British reality show Big Brother in 2016. He has built a bold and controversial social media presence, often showcasing his wealth and promoting courses aimed at helping young men achieve financial and personal success.
Despite his large following, critics accuse him of fostering misogyny and negatively influencing young men—claims that he vehemently denies.
Mark B Thomas contributed to this report for TROIB News
