Andrew and Tristan Tate, who have millions of predominantly young male followers online, are accused of being involved in a criminal gang that lured women to Romania to be sexually exploited. Andrew Tate also faces an additional charge of rape.

The brothers arrived in Florida on Thursday with the case against them still open. On the same day, the Tampa Bay Young Republicans shared a post on social media welcoming the Tate brothers to Florida.

The post also featured an image of the brothers with text “formally” inviting Andrew Tate to speak with the group.

The Tampa Bay Young Republicans said the invite was extended because they are “free speech absolutists” and that the brothers have not been convicted of any crime.

The post has been widely condemned online, with one Republican X user describing the club as “disgusting” for welcoming the pair. Capital Young Republicans, a GOP organization based in Tallahassee, Florida, called the invite “deeply disturbing.”

Conservative media personality Megyn Kelly told the Tampa Bay Young Republicans on X, formerly Twitter: “You’ve lost your way, boys.”

Romania’s anti-organized crime agency, DIICOT, said prosecutors approved a request to change the travel restrictions on the Tates, but did not specify who made the request.

President Donald Trump on Thursday said “I know nothing about that,” when asked about the Tates amid claims that his administration lobbied the Romanian government to allow the brothers, who are supporters of the Republican, to travel to the U.S.

A spokesperson for the Tate brothers told Newsweek that several of their assets, including five properties and six luxury cars, have been returned to them by Romanian prosecutors. They have also had all frozen bank accounts unfrozen.

The Tampa Bay Young Republicans posted on social media: “TBYR formally welcomes Andrew Tate & Tristan Tate to Florida. As free speech absolutists, the Tates haven’t been formally convicted of any crimes and are welcome to speak to our group. We’re old enough to remember when a ‘Convicted Felon’ won the Presidency. #Freestate.”

X user Joe Vazzano replied: “You are disgusting, and I am ashamed I ever attended your events. Utterly moronic take. You can believe in free speech and still have standards. Platforming self-admitted terrorist-supporting pimps and abusers for online clout is absurd.”

Capital Young Republicans responded on X: “It is deeply disturbing to see that TBYR is failing to control their worst impulses and choosing to actively undermine the hard work of their colleagues. We strongly condemn this deliberate erosion of conservative principles, professional conduct, and common decency.”

Rafael Struve, director of communications at Republican organization Bienvenido, posted: “As a former YR club chair, I get it—any press is good press, and controversy’s a cheap thrill. I’ve seen some dumb moves for clicks, but come on, Tampa Bay…what the hell is this? You’re rolling out the red carpet for a pair of self-styled pimps and predators, calling it ‘free speech’ as if you’re some sort of First Amendment heroes?”

Barbie Harden Hall, the Democratic candidate for Florida’s 11th Congressional District, wrote: “Christian, family values look a lot different than I remember from Sunday school.”

A spokesperson for the Tate brothers told Newsweek: “While some assets remain under precautionary seizure, this ruling marks a significant step toward justice. We remain committed to full transparency and will continue to uphold our legal rights.”

Florida Governor Ron DeSantis said Thursday: “I do know our attorney general, James Uthmeier, is looking at what state hooks and jurisdiction we may have to be able to deal with this. But the reality is, no, Florida is not a place where you’re welcome with that type of conduct in the air. And I don’t know how it came to this. We were not involved, we were not notified—I found out through the media that this was something that was happening.”

DIICOT said the Tate brothers are still under “judicial control” and must continue reporting to authorities. The pair are expected to return to Romania.

https://www.newsweek.com/florida-republicans-invite-andrew-tate-tampa-bay-2037633