British comedian Dom Joly has publicly stated that his application to enter the United States was refused, allegedly because of a history of social media posts criticising former President Donald Trump.
Social Media Activity Under Scrutiny
The 58-year-old star of Trigger Happy TV revealed the rejection of his Electronic System for Travel Authorisation (ESTA) during an interview on Times Radio. Joly suggested the decision was directly linked to his online commentary, where he has frequently lambasted the Republican leader.
His posts have included comical comparisons of Trump to a kebab, edits superimposing the former president's face on the food item, and more serious accusations. On platform X, Joly has previously labelled Trump an "out-of-touch billionaire celebrity" and described his performance in a debate as floundering "like a fish".
During Trump's state visit to the UK, Joly posted a video from Windsor expressing dismay, captioned: "I mean what??? Just what???? We are doomed…#trump". In the footage, he referred to Trump as a "sex abuser" and an "orange s**t gibbon".
A Wider Pattern of Travel Anxiety
Joly indicated he is not alone in facing such issues. "I know a lot of people it's happened to," he stated, adding that some acquaintances now travel to the US with "burner" phones to avoid scrutiny of their digital history. He expressed a growing sense of apprehension among British travellers regarding US entry, not about safety but about being permitted to cross the border.
This incident coincides with reports of a proposed US policy change that could require visitors from visa-waiver countries, including the UK, to submit five years of social media history as part of their ESTA application. Currently, the ESTA process requires minimal information and a single payment of $40 (£30).
Political Context and Comedic Career
The comedian's remarks follow Donald Trump's return to office in January 2025, with the administration prioritising stringent border control measures citing national security. Trump has dismissed concerns that such policies could reduce tourism, insisting, "We just want people to come over here, and safe. We want safety. We want security."
However, the US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) has clarified that the social media proposal is not final, describing it as "simply the first step in starting a discussion" on new policy options.
Joly is no stranger to American audiences, having found success with a US spin-off of Trigger Happy TV on Comedy Central. His extensive career in the UK spans BBC and ITV shows, a Channel 4 revival of his hit programme, and travel writing alongside his stand-up work.
The case raises significant questions about freedom of expression, border security, and the potential for political opinions to impact international travel rights for British citizens.
