Donald Trump Jr cancels Australian speaking event after visa confusion

Donald Trump Jr has cancelled his Australian speaking engagements following confusion about whether he had been granted a visa to enter the country.

Donald Trump Jr. Picture: AFP

Donald Trump Jr has cancelled his Australian speaking engagements following confusion about whether he had been granted a visa to enter the country.

Mr Trump Jr’s supporters claimed the eldest son of the former US president was unable to enter Australia because he had not been issued with a visa, despite applying in May.

However, the Albanese government said Mr Trump Jr had been issued a visa.

“It’s up to Donald Trump Jr whether he comes to Australia, but there is no immigration impediment to him coming here,” a spokesman for Home Affairs Minister Clare O’Neil said.

Turning Point Australia, an offshoot of the US-based conservative political group, announced on social media late on Wednesday that “due to unforeseen circumstances”, Mr Trump Jr’s Sydney show on Sunday had been postponed.

He was also to speak at events in Melbourne and Brisbane.

“It seems America isn’t the only country that makes it difficult for the Trumps,” Turning Point said.

“Hold on to your tickets, this is a short delay, nothing more.

“The dates will be changing for all shows to a later date. Apologies for any inconveniences, especially those who had long travel plans.”

Conservative Political Action Conference founder Andrew Cooper said the incident fit a “pattern of behaviour by Labor to try and stall speakers and events they don’t like”.

The Department of Home Affairs said it did not comment on individual cases, adding that the government would “continue to act decisively to protect the community from the risk of harm posed by individuals who choose to engage in criminal activity or behaviour of concern, including visa cancellation or refusal where appropriate.”