1. United States
2. Wash.
3. Letter

I’m writing to urge you to fully investigate the White House’s reported interference in a federal law enforcement matter involving Andrew and Tristan Tate, who are under investigation for sex trafficking in multiple countries. Any official who used their position to benefit them must be held accountable. According to DHS officials and contemporaneous messages, White House liaison Paul Ingrassia contacted senior DHS leaders and said the request to return the Tates’ seized electronic devices came directly “from the White House.” The devices were lawfully taken after Andrew Tate refused to provide his password — a routine action at a U.S. port of entry. DHS staff described the intervention as “brazen” and potentially compromising to an active investigation. The conflict of interest is also serious. Ingrassia previously worked on the Tates’ legal team before joining the administration. Even the appearance that a White House official leveraged government authority to benefit former clients, especially individuals accused of trafficking, undermines ethical standards and the independence of federal law enforcement. This also fits a broader pattern of the administration assisting allies facing legal trouble while attacking opponents. Whether or not the President personally ordered this action, those around him have repeatedly attempted to protect politically useful figures — and the Tates’ large online following among young men makes this especially concerning. Meanwhile, investigations of the Tates continue in the UK, Romania, and potentially U.S. jurisdictions. Any federal interference risks weakening protections for victims and damaging U.S. credibility abroad. I strongly support the inquiries already underway and urge you to: • Support a full congressional investigation into any White House involvement. • Request a DHS Inspector General review with public findings. • Ensure accountability for any officials who abused their authority. • Reinforce guardrails preventing White House intervention in individual criminal matters. Thank you for your continued leadership.