Senators Launch Inquiry Into White House Official’s Role in Andrew Tate Device Return
WASHINGTON – A bipartisan group of U.S.Senators has launched an inquiry into the actions of paul Ingrassia, a former White House liaison to the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), following reports he intervened to facilitate the return of electronic devices seized from Andrew and Tristan Tate. The inquiry, prompted by reporting from ProPublica, centers on whether Ingrassia improperly aided the controversial figures who are facing serious allegations of sex trafficking and sexual assault in both Romania and the United Kingdom.
The Tates, known for their divisive online content and association with the “manosphere” – a network of influencers who reportedly helped deliver young male voters to Donald Trump – had their devices seized by law enforcement. The purpose of the seizure and the findings of any subsequent analysis remain unclear, as the White House and DHS have declined to comment on the matter.
According to ProPublica’s reporting, Ingrassia, who previously worked at the law firm representing the Tates, denied attempting to assist them in a brief interview, stating, “There was no intervention. Nothing happened. There was nothing.” His lawyer,Edward Paltzik,issued a statement asserting ingrassia “never ordered that the Tate Brothers’ devices be returned to them,nor did he say…that such a directive came from the White House,” calling the story “fiction.” Paltzik further declined to address whether Ingrassia had asked authorities to return the devices, arguing the term was “inappropriate.”
The Tates’ lawyer,Joseph McBride,confirmed the devices have not been returned to his clients,who he maintains are innocent and had no illicit materials on their electronics.
The inquiry comes as the Tate brothers face mounting legal challenges. Romanian authorities accuse them of operating a criminal group involved in trafficking women, including allegations they coerced women into filming online pornography.Prosecutors are also investigating allegations of trafficking minors. Andrew Tate has been charged with rape in Romania, though initial charges were sent back to prosecutors due to procedural issues.
in the United kingdom, arrest warrants were issued in May 2025 for the brothers based on allegations from three women, including charges of rape and human trafficking. They deny wrongdoing. Additionally, a woman has filed a lawsuit in Florida accusing the Tates of luring her to Romania for sex work; a judge dismissed most of her claims in October 2025, but allowed her to refile.
