Donald Trump Jr. has delayed his upcoming speaking tour in Australia amid doubts that the Albanese government would grant him a visa.
The eldest son of former US President Donald Trump was scheduled to speak in Sydney, Brisbane and Melbourne between July 9 and July 11, however, event organisers, Turning Point Australia, announced on Wednesday that “due to unforeseen circumstances” the appearances would be postponed.
“Ticket holders are urged to hold onto their tickets, with details of the rescheduled date to be confirmed in the coming days,” the announcement said.
There had been calls for Trump Jr’s visa to be cancelled on character grounds because of his role in promoting misinformation about voter fraud in the 2020 US presidential election and the Covid-19 pandemic.
As of Thursday morning, a change.org petition calling for him to be denied a visa to Australia had attracted 22,641 signatures.
Trump Jr. hasn’t commented, but Turning Point Australia wrote on Facebook: “It seems America isn’t the only country that makes it difficult for the Trumps…”
“Hold onto your tickets, this is a short delay nothing more. #CancelCulture”
“The dates will be changing for all shows to a later date. Apologies for any inconvenience especially those who had long travel plans!”
Tickets for the event were being sold at $89 for general admission, $295 for a meet-and-greet and up to $2,500 for a private dinner.
Other speakers planning to join the tour had included Brexiter Nigel Farage and Liberal senator Alex Antic.
The Sydney Morning Herald reports that there was speculation ticket sales were not doing well and that the high costs of security were making Trump Jr’s tour financially unfeasible.
A spokesperson for the immigration minister, Andrew Giles, told The Guardian the government would not comment on individual visa cases.