FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. — Andrew Tate expressed disappointment in Governor Ron DeSantis during a recent podcast, days after he and his brother Tristan returned to the U.S. amid ongoing human trafficking charges in Romania.
During the PBD Podcast, Tate criticized DeSantis for stating that the brothers were not welcome in Florida. Following their arrival in Fort Lauderdale, DeSantis mentioned that the state attorney general was investigating whether jurisdiction existed over the Tates’ alleged crimes, despite court documents indicating they are not Florida residents.
Tate challenged DeSantis’s response, suggesting it should have emphasized their legal status and lack of wrongdoing in the United States. “Instead, what he did was say: ‘We’re going to get our attorney general to try and find some laws he’s broken and wreck this man who’s done nothing inside of the United States ever,’” Tate remarked.
In a stark contrast, Tate praised former President Donald Trump for his nonchalant response when asked about the brothers. Trump, maintaining his usual demeanor, stated he was unaware of any pressure his administration may have exerted on the Romanian government regarding their release.
Andrew Tate, a 38-year-old former professional kickboxer and a provocative figure with over 10 million supporters on social media, has made headlines for his controversial views and strong support for Trump.
He reiterated his stance on the legal proceedings against him. “Isn’t the whole point of democracy, innocent until proven guilty?” Tate emphasized, noting he has not yet faced trial or been convicted of any crimes despite being embroiled in legal issues for three years.
Tate has managed to build a large online following, primarily among young men and youths, by showcasing a lavish lifestyle. However, he has faced bans from several major platforms for promoting hate speech and making misogynistic statements.
Additionally, the Tates, citizens of both the U.S. and the U.K., were arrested in late 2022 and indicted in 2023 on serious charges, including participation in a criminal network that exploited women in Romania. Andrew Tate also faces a separate charge of rape, which he denies.
The brothers’ recent return to the U.S. follows comments made by the Romanian Foreign Minister, who indicated interest from a Trump administration official regarding their case during a security conference in Munich.
In a recent social media post, Andrew Tate proclaimed, “The Tates will be free, Trump is the president. The good old days are back. And they will be better than ever. Hold on.”
As of now, DeSantis’ office has not responded to inquiries about Tate’s remarks on the podcast.
