British comedian Dom Joly has publicly stated that his application to travel to the United States was rejected, which he attributes directly to his history of criticising former President Donald Trump on social media.
Social Media Scrutiny at the Border
The star of Trigger Happy TV revealed the situation during a guest hosting slot on Times Radio. He explained he was 'not allowed in the US' thanks to his outspoken online opinions about the American president. Joly told listeners, 'Because of my social media anti-Trumpisms, I don't think I'd be allowed in.'
He expressed a sentiment shared by others, noting, 'I think a lot of people I know are a bit nervous about the US at the moment, not nervous safety wise but just nervous if they will get in.'
A Pattern of Criticism and Proposed Policy Changes
Joly has frequently targeted the Republican figure online, including during Trump's state visit to the UK in September. In one Facebook video from that visit, he captioned footage of Trump's reception at Windsor Castle: 'I mean what??? Just what???? We are doomed…#trump'. In the clip, he is heard saying, 'What the f*** is this? It's just insane. Look at this sex abuser.'
The incident coincides with reported US plans to intensify border security. The US is reportedly planning to ask tourists for five years of their social media history, a measure that would even apply to citizens from visa-waiver countries like the UK. This push, associated with Trump's administration, aims to ensure, in the president's words, 'We want safety. We want security... We want to make sure we're not letting the wrong people come enter our country.'
The ESTA Rejection and Wider Implications
Travellers from the UK normally enter the US via the Electronic System for Travel Authorisation (ESTA), a visa-waiver programme. Joly confirmed it was his ESTA application that was denied. While exact details of the new social media data requirements are unconfirmed, it is believed visitors may need to provide:
- All social media usernames used in the past five years.
- Associated email addresses and phone numbers.
- Names, birthdays, and contact details of immediate family members.
Joly joked about the scrutiny on his radio show, stating, 'I think you should take a burner phone, is the answer.' He also recounted a previous odd question during an application: 'I had an interest down as "speaking French" and they asked me why I spoke French.'
The comedian's social media critiques are often replies to other posts, though some have been more direct. Earlier this month, he posted a parody video of a London taxi ride, captioning it 'Incredibly dangerous road trip through Trump’s hellscape London,' mocking the president's past comments on crime in the capital.
The Daily Mail has approached representatives for Dom Joly and US border authorities for comment.
