Sign up for Executive Dysfunction, a weekly newsletter that highlights one under-the-radar story about how Trump is changing the law—or how the law is pushing back—and keeps you posted on the latest from Slate’s Jurisprudence team.

The specter of Jeffrey Epstein continues to haunt the Trump administration seven years after the sexual predator’s death. But the makings of the next Epstein-style scandal—one that ultimately could be even more damaging for Trump and MAGAworld—appears to be unfolding right now. The Tate brothers, Andrew and Tristan, are alleged to be sex predators on a level approaching Epstein and with perhaps even more political clout with Donald Trump.

For those who are blessedly unfamiliar with the Tates, they are highly popular “manosphere” influencers who have garnered an international following, particularly among young men, for their particular brand of content focused on their prideful misogyny and flashing of their apparent wealth. They are also accused of running a decadelong international sex-trafficking ring, with credible allegations against them in multiple countries from dozens of accusers involving gruesome acts of sexual violence, abuse, and exploitation against women and minors. And they have many connections to the world’s top political elite, including Donald Trump’s family members and close advisers. Sound familiar?

Just like Epstein, the Tates have seemingly leveraged these connections to receive favorable treatment and avoid the full extent of justice. After years of investigations and attempted prosecutions, the Tates find themselves in the crosshairs yet again. In July, they were charged in Britain on rape charges that also included allegations of possession of child sexual abuse imagery—and are currently sitting in a jail in Miami, fighting extradition. And earlier this month, Romanian prosecutors indicted Andrew for trafficking minors, money laundering, sex with a minor, and witness tampering, and Tristan with complicity.

But, in a few important ways, the involvement of Trump’s administration and allies with the Tates could be even more egregious than the Epstein controversy. While the Epstein scandal has centered on holding bad actors accountable for past actions and current cover-ups, the Tate brothers’ scandal is a live issue, and there is reason to believe that if the Trump administration buckles in their favor, the brothers could go back to their criminal activities.

Unlike Epstein, who generally lurked in the shadows of elite circles, the Tates brazenly and publicly broadcast their depraved behavior for years. The Tates........

© Slate