An investigation reports that Paul Ingrassia, a former lawyer for Andrew and Tristan Tate who later served as a White House DHS liaison, pressed for the return of electronic devices seized from the brothers by CBP during a Florida trip. Ingrassia denied any intervention, while DHS says the devices were turned over to investigators and the Tates’ attorney says they have not been returned. The episode highlights concerns about potential political influence over law-enforcement actions when high-profile allies are involved.
White House Liaison Allegedly Pressed to Return Andrew Tate’s Seized Devices, Raising Questions About Political Interference
An investigation reports that Paul Ingrassia, a former lawyer for Andrew and Tristan Tate who later served as a White House DHS liaison, pressed for the return of electronic devices seized from the brothers by CBP during a Florida trip. Ingrassia denied any intervention, while DHS says the devices were turned over to investigators and the Tates’ attorney says they have not been returned. The episode highlights concerns about potential political influence over law-enforcement actions when high-profile allies are involved.
07:26 AM, 11/20/2025Politics
A recent media investigation reports that Paul Ingrassia, a former lawyer for Andrew and Tristan Tate who later served as a White House liaison to the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), intervened after Customs and Border Protection (CBP) seized the brothers’ electronic devices during a Florida trip earlier this year.
Allegations and responses
According to interviews and documents reviewed by reporters, a White House official — identified as Ingrassia — delivered a written request asking that the devices be returned, criticizing the seizure as a poor use of time and resources and stressing that the request purportedly came from the White House. DHS officials have said the devices were "detained and turned over to Homeland Security Investigations for inspectional purposes." The Tates' attorney has said the devices have not yet been returned.
Ingrassia told reporters, "there was no intervention" and that "nothing happened." His attorney, Edward Paltzik, said Ingrassia "never ordered that the Tate Brothers' devices be returned to them, nor did he say — and nor would he have ever said — that such a directive came from the White House."
Context and controversy
The Tate brothers are prominent figures in the online "manosphere" and face multiple allegations of rape and sex trafficking in the U.S. and abroad. Andrew Tate has described himself as a "misogynist" and has been criticized for promoting rhetoric that many view as misogynistic and violent. Some political allies and influencers have courted the Tates' audience, increasing the episode's political sensitivity.
Ingrassia previously represented the Tates before joining the administration and has drawn scrutiny for text messages in which he referenced having a "Nazi streak." He has also publicly praised Andrew Tate and suggested the brothers are targeted by "global elites." Ingrassia was the subject of an internal DHS inquiry into sexual-harassment allegations and was ultimately cleared at that time.
Why it matters
Critics say the episode raises broader concerns about whether political considerations can influence law-enforcement actions when individuals connected to the administration or its allies are involved. Observers point to patterns in which high-profile figures accused of sex crimes sometimes appear to receive favorable treatment or intervention from powerful contacts.
The White House declined to clarify whether Ingrassia acted on his own or at someone else's direction. The conflicting statements and remaining questions about the chain of decision-making have prompted calls for greater transparency in interactions between political staff and law-enforcement officials.