FORT LAUDERDALE, USA — Controversial social media figure Andrew Tate and his brother Tristan landed in Florida on Thursday, February 27, 2025 after departing Romania, where they face trial on charges of rape and human trafficking.
Their arrival in the U.S. immediately sparked political backlash, with Florida Governor Ron DeSantis publicly stating they were “not welcome” in the state.
The brothers, who were previously barred from leaving Romania, touched down in Fort Lauderdale and were met with reporters.
Addressing the media, Andrew Tate defended his and his brother’s legal standing.
“We live in a democratic society where it’s innocent until proven guilty, and I think my brother and I are largely misunderstood. We’ve yet to be convicted of any crime in our lives, ever. We have no criminal record anywhere on the planet, ever,” Tate said.
He also claimed their case in Romania had been “dismissed” in December but did not elaborate on why they had traveled to Florida or whether former President Donald Trump played a role in lifting their travel ban.
DeSantis Condemns Tate Brothers’ Presence in Florida
Shortly after their arrival, Governor DeSantis took a firm stance against their presence in Florida, stating:
“No, Florida is not a place where you’re welcome with that type of conduct. Our attorney general, James Uthmeier, is looking into what state hooks and jurisdictions we have to deal with this.”
The strong response from DeSantis adds another layer of controversy to the case, particularly as the Tate brothers’ movements are being closely scrutinized by authorities in multiple countries.
Legal Challenges and Allegations
Andrew and Tristan Tate were first arrested in Romania in December 2022 and remain under investigation for forming an organised criminal group, human trafficking, trafficking of minors, sexual intercourse with a minor, and money laundering.
Both have denied all allegations.
The brothers also face accusations of rape and human trafficking in the UK, where authorities have been preparing for potential extradition once their Romanian case concludes.
Their ability to leave Romania was granted after the country’s anti-organised crime agency, DIICOT, approved a request to modify restrictions on their movement. The agency, however, maintained that the brothers remain under legal obligations, stating:
“These include the requirement to appear before judicial authorities whenever summoned. The defendants have been warned that deliberately violating these obligations may result in judicial control being replaced with a stricter deprivation of liberty measure.”
Trump Responds, Tate’s Accusers Express Outrage
Speculation has mounted that the Trump administration exerted diplomatic pressure to allow the Tate brothers to travel.
However, when asked about the case during an Oval Office meeting with UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer, Trump distanced himself from the controversy.
“I know nothing about that. I don’t know, you’re saying he’s on a plane right now? I just know nothing about it. We’ll check it out. We’ll let you know,” Trump said.
Meanwhile, Tate’s accusers in the UK voiced deep concern over the decision to allow his international travel.
A group of four women, who have filed a civil case against Tate in Britain, released a statement expressing their distress.
“We are in disbelief and feel retraumatised by the news that the Romanian authorities have given in to pressure from the Trump administration to allow Andrew Tate to travel around Europe and to the U.S. We can only hope that the British authorities finally take action, do something about this terrifying unfolding situation and ensure he faces justice in the UK.”
The Tate Brothers and Their Online Influence
Andrew Tate, a former kickboxer turned social media personality, has amassed millions of followers across various platforms, where he frequently shares content promoting extreme views on masculinity, wealth, and power.
Despite being banned from social media in 2022, his X (formerly Twitter) account was reinstated by Elon Musk, and he now commands an audience of over 10.7 million followers.
The brothers first moved to Romania in 2017, citing more lenient laws and a preference for what they saw as greater personal freedoms.
In one widely circulated clip, Andrew Tate suggested that avoiding legal repercussions for sexual assault allegations was a key factor in his relocation.
“I’m not a f****** rapist, but I like the idea of just being able to do what I want,” Tate said. “I like being free. If you’re a man living in England or Germany or America or any of the Western world right now you’ve decided to live in a country where any woman … at any point in the future can destroy your life.”
What Happens Next?
The Tate brothers’ legal battles are far from over, with ongoing cases in Romania and pending extradition proceedings in the UK.
Meanwhile, Florida’s leadership is exploring ways to address their presence in the state.
As their arrival fuels further debate, the extent of their stay in the U.S. remains uncertain.
