Reverend Fred Nile classed as a ‘security threat’, denied visa to Donald Trump inauguration

CHRISTIAN Democrat Fred Nile was blocked from entering the US for Donald Trump’s inauguration, after being classed as a “security threat”.

Controversial member of the NSW Legislative Council Fred Nile. Picture: Bob Barker

CHRISTIAN Democrats founder Fred Nile says he has “no idea” why he was blocked from entering the US for Donald Trump’s inauguration.

But the MLC is questioning whether he was denied a visa because Obama administration staffers were unimpressed with his support for President Trump.

Rev Nile said he was to stay at Mr Trump’s hotel in Washington, after Australia’s Ambassador to the US, former treasurer Joe Hockey, helped organise the inauguration tickets.

Reverend Fred Nile was denied a visa to get to the United States for Donald Trump’s inauguration.

But upon reaching the American Airlines desk, tickets in hand, he and his wife were told they would not be allowed entry to the US.

“We just assumed it had been approved and we had our tickets and the American Airlines people said we’re sorry but we can’t let you on the plane,” he said.

Fred Nile missed out on Donald Trump’s inauguration. Picture: AFP

Rev Nile said he has “intensively” grilled the US Consul-General about why he was not permitted entry.

“The Consul-General just said ‘your visa application’s been denied’ and we were given no reason,” he said.

“It’s something to do with the security.”

The veteran politician says he “can’t prove anything” but is wondering whether his support for Mr Trump played a role.

“Until Trump appoints people, they’re all Democrats, they’re all Obama’s,” he said.

Rev Nile said spent “a couple of days” in the Consul-General office waiting to find out when his visa would be ready.

“I’ve questioned the American Consul-General intensively, asking if there’s any place I’ve been that’s not approved,” he said.

Mr Nile subsequently wrote to Mr Trump to note he was not issued with a visa.

“As we could not receive a USA visa, the American Airlines could not issue us with our Airline tickets even though we were waiting at the counter at the Airport Sydney,” he wrote.

“We have previously visited the USA and been issued visas with no problems in 2015, etc. I first visited the White House in 1966 and on other dates.

“Thank you for any assistance you can give us as we still want to share in your celebrations, balls etc.”

A spokesman for the US Consulate General in Sydney said: “To protect the privacy of all visa applicants, the US Consulate does not discuss any individual visa case. We have seen the Honourable Fred Nile’s media release, and we have no comment on his statement.”

Originally published as Reverend Fred Nile classed as a ‘security threat’, denied visa to Donald Trump inauguration