Hanson US Trip: Rinehart and Trump Connections

Published: 30 December 2025. The English Chronicle Desk. The English Chronicle Online.

Pauline Hanson, the One Nation senator, and her chief of staff, James Ashby, travelled to Florida in late October aboard mining magnate Gina Rinehart’s private jet to attend the Conservative Political Action Conference. According to publicly available flight tracking data, the Gulfstream 700 departed Brisbane, stopped in Perth, then flew via Osaka before reaching Palm Beach. The trio arrived in the United States on 29 October. Following media coverage, Hanson formally amended her declaration to the Registrar of Senators’ Interests, noting return flights and hospitality received from Hancock Prospecting. One Nation confirmed the hospitality referred to accommodation at Rinehart’s Palm Beach mansion, valued at US$66 million.

The party initially submitted a Form A on 16 December, 35 days after the return, which the registrar rejected due to administrative errors. The corrected form was lodged on 30 October after Guardian Australia’s report. The declaration did not include Ashby’s travel sponsorship. When asked about Rinehart’s financial support, Ashby told Nine Newspapers he had not received any funds from her.

While in Florida, Hanson and Rinehart attended CPAC, where Hanson criticised Australia’s major parties and praised Trump’s administration for deporting immigrants, targeting alleged cartel operations, and supporting mining projects. She also participated in a separate party at Rinehart’s mansion supporting Moms of America. During the visit, the duo attended Trump’s Great Gatsby-themed Halloween party at Mar-a-Lago, though it is unclear whether Ashby was present. Rinehart has been a long-standing supporter of Trump and maintains a $4.7 billion US investment portfolio, including Trump Media & Technology and MP Materials.

In a Sky News interview with Andrew Bolt on 2 November, Hanson said she was pleased to speak at CPAC, calling it a significant opportunity to represent Australians abroad. She attributed her recent rise in voter support to major parties’ failure to address migration and climate change. Hanson also advocated for withdrawing from the Paris agreement and criticised Australia’s net zero carbon ambitions, aligning closely with Rinehart’s policy views. She expressed concern over the potential impact on Australia’s mining sector, highlighting the importance of protecting employment and revenue.

The private flights coincided with public support from Rinehart’s senior executive, former NT chief minister Adam Giles, who backed One Nation and encouraged donations. Giles criticised left-leaning policies, including net zero and immigration measures, suggesting Australians were burdened by regulatory inefficiencies and government waste. Hanson also gained support from Barnaby Joyce, who recently joined One Nation from the Nationals. To mark their alliance, Hanson and Joyce cooked Wagyu beef from Hancock Agriculture in Hanson’s Parliament House office.

Following the Liberals’ recent electoral defeat, Rinehart criticised the party for not following Trump’s approach, advocating a return to “common sense and truth.” Hancock Prospecting has historically donated to the Liberal and National parties, with a $500,000 contribution recorded before the last election. Any in-kind support to Hanson or One Nation exceeding $17,300 would require disclosure under Australian Electoral Commission rules. Rinehart has also opposed rising conservative figures in the Liberal Party and criticised perceived attacks on SAS soldier Ben Roberts-Smith, highlighting her continued influence on Australian political dynamics.

The Florida trip demonstrates Hanson’s growing international presence and alignment with influential conservative figures, raising questions about political funding transparency and the intersections of Australian and US conservative networks. This high-profile engagement reflects One Nation’s strategic positioning and Hanson’s efforts to consolidate support amid shifting domestic and global political landscapes.