WH won't block Tate brothers' extradition to UK

The Trump administration is expected to allow extradition proceedings against Andrew and Tristan Tate to move forward, clearing the way for a federal court to consider Britain's request to return the brothers to face criminal charges, reports Axios.

The Tate brothers, dual U.S.-British citizens, were arrested in Miami after British authorities sought their extradition on 38 new charges, including rape, sex trafficking, sexual assault, and offenses involving indecent images of children.

The additional allegations bring the total number of charges they face in the United Kingdom to 59.

The brothers have denied the allegations and say the case is politically motivated. Their attorney, Joseph McBride, has said they will contest the extradition request in federal court.

Under the U.S.-U.K. extradition treaty, a federal magistrate judge must first determine whether Britain's request satisfies the legal requirements for extradition.

If the judge certifies the request, the case is referred to Secretary of State Marco Rubio, who has the authority to approve or deny the transfer.

While Rubio has the legal authority to block an extradition in limited circumstances, the administration is not expected to intervene in the case.

The extradition proceedings come as the brothers continue to face separate criminal charges in Romania.

Prosecutors there charged the Tate brothers in 2023 with human trafficking, rape, and forming a criminal organization to sexually exploit women. The brothers have denied those allegations.

Romanian authorities earlier this year lifted travel restrictions that had prevented the brothers from leaving the country while the case was pending, allowing them to travel to the United States.

Their arrival drew attention because of their connections to several conservative political figures and allies of President Donald Trump, fueling speculation that the administration could seek to prevent their extradition. There has been no indication that the White House plans to do so.

A hearing is scheduled for July 27 in federal court, where a judge will consider whether the United Kingdom's extradition request meets the requirements of U.S. law. If the request is approved, the matter will be sent to Rubio for a final decision.

The British case is separate from the criminal proceedings in Romania, which remain pending.