Mary Trump denounced her uncle Donald as “disgraceful” and “despicable” over reporting that links Barron Trump to influencer Andrew Tate, who faces rape, trafficking and abuse allegations. She cited The New York Times reporting that Tate cultivated relationships with high-profile conservatives and suggested social media influence could buy protection. Barron reportedly admired Tate and spoke with him by Zoom; the Tates deny the charges and their lawyer denies any assistance from the Trump family.
Mary Trump Calls Donald Trump ‘Despicable’ Over Barron’s Reported Ties To Andrew Tate
Andrew Tate and his brother Tristan Tate talk to the media outside their residence on March 23, 2025 in Bucharest, Romania. / Andrei Pungovschi / Getty Images
Mary Trump has publicly condemned her estranged uncle, former President Donald Trump, calling him “disgraceful” and “despicable” amid reports that his son Barron Trump has ties to controversial influencer Andrew Tate.
Mary Trump’s Remarks
In a video posted to her Mary Trump Media account, Mary Trump referenced reporting that suggested Donald Trump may have played a role in the Tate brothers’ departure from Romania last February so they could travel to the United States and appear at a UFC event. When asked at the time whether he had intervened, Donald Trump responded, “I know nothing about that.”
U.S. President-elect Donald Trump, Melania Trump and their son Barron board a U.S. Air Force aircraft en route to Dulles, Virginia on January 18, 2025 in West Palm Beach, Florida. / Michael M. Santiago / Getty Images
“Andrew Tate spent years courting high-profile conservatives and some of Donald’s top advisers,” Mary Trump said, citing a New York Times report. “He made it very, very clear that he was a huge supporter of Donald Trump’s. And with his massive social media following, that’s all you need for Donald Trump to do whatever he can to make sure, regardless of the horrific crimes you’ve committed, you get to be free.”
Allegations Against The Tate Brothers
Andrew Tate, 39, and his brother Tristan, 37, have been accused by Romanian authorities of trafficking more than 30 women and creating a criminal group for sexual exploitation. Romanian prosecutors have also charged Andrew Tate separately with rape; both brothers face related charges in the U.K. The Tates have denied all allegations.
Barron Trump’s Reported Connection
Reporting by The New York Times cited a mutual acquaintance, Justin Waller, who has described himself as close to the Tates and who at times positioned himself as a mentor to Barron Trump. The Times reported that Barron, 19, admired Andrew Tate and spoke with him over Zoom in 2024; according to the outlet, they discussed a shared belief that the criminal cases were attempts to silence the brothers.
Influencer Andrew Tate attends UFC 313 at T-Mobile Arena on March 08, 2025 in Las Vegas, Nevada. / Ian Maule / Getty Images
Responses And Denials
The Daily Beast contacted the White House for comment. Joseph McBride, a lawyer for the Tate brothers, previously told the Daily Beast that he had provided a statement to The New York Times denying any assistance from the Trump family or the U.S. government in relation to the Tate brothers’ Romanian case. “There was no olive branch and no assistance offered from the U.S. side or the Trump family in connection with Andrew’s Romanian case,” McBride said.
Background: The Tates’ Activities And Platform
The brothers ran an adult webcam operation and sold online courses and membership content under brands such as “Hustler’s University,” which critics say promoted misogynistic content. Andrew Tate was previously banned from Twitter after comments suggesting women bear responsibility for being sexually assaulted; he was later reinstated on Elon Musk’s X.
Mary Trump also broadened her criticism of Donald Trump’s record on women, calling him a “terrible misogynist” and accusing him of surrounding himself with like-minded figures over the years. She singled out the broader “manosphere” — online communities that have embraced influencers like the Tates — as a means by which political figures can tap into a young, predominantly male audience.
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