U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio stated that the administration has no role to play in the extradition case of Andrew and Tristan Tate, who were arrested in Miami on Saturday at the request of British authorities.
Rubio, speaking to reporters in the Philippines on Wednesday, indicated that the Tate brothers are involved in a judicial process and that the State Department has no involvement at this stage. "I don't know the details of this particular case. I've been overseas, but I mean, I know who you're talking about. I just don't know the details of it," Rubio said. "These cases have a process that they go through in the courts. My understanding is that they're involved in that judicial process, and so that'll play itself out at this point."
He added, "And there's no role for us to play at this moment, or maybe ever in that regard, but I'm not going to opine on that."
The Tate brothers, who hold dual U.S.-UK citizenship, were arrested at a bare-knuckle boxing event in Miami. They face charges in the United Kingdom including rape, sex trafficking, and indecent images of a child. The British government is seeking their extradition based on an initial 21 charges, along with new allegations involving four women between July 2010 and August 2017. Both brothers have denied all wrongdoing.
The arrests fueled speculation that former President Donald Trump might intervene on their behalf, as the brothers have claimed close ties to the President and his family. Their lawyer, Joseph McBride, suggested Trump could intervene, stating the former President was elected to combat "this kind of nonsense" and that the Tates had supporters "all the way to DC."
McBride has characterized the UK as a "fallen state that prosecutes its citizens for free speech." Earlier reports indicated that the White House had no involvement or feelings on the issue.
While Rubio stated there is no current role for the State Department, he could ultimately make the final decision on extradition if a Florida court determines the UK's request meets legal requirements. The brothers' legal team is scheduled to apply for their release at a hearing on July 27, where a magistrate will decide their custody status during the extradition process.
Previously, it was reported that the Tates had met with Republican lawmakers on Capitol Hill and attended a party hosted by Trump envoy Paolo Zampolli. The brothers are prominent figures in the manosphere, known for promoting misogynistic views. They also face accusations and investigations in the U.S. and Romania concerning allegations of coercion into pornography and sexual assault. The brothers have not been to the UK since a travel ban was lifted in Romania last year. They arrived in Florida in February of the previous year, shortly after a former Trump administration official reportedly discussed their case with Romanian officials. At the time, Trump stated he knew nothing about such discussions.