Can I still use my ESTA?

[Blackbrookroad 0]

I used an ESTA to get to the US in May 2018 and tried to use it again in September 2018, but got refused entry to the U.S. I never recieved a formal reason why I got refused entry on a piece of paper and when I log into the ESTA application online 'ESTA Authorised' is written on there. Does this mean that I still have my ESTA and CBP never recorded turning me away from entering the U.S.?

[JFH 12,191]

Having an approved ESTA and being admitted to the country are two different processes: the ESTA just allows you to board the plane or ship and “try your luck”. It doesn’t guarantee admission. But the question is whether you were actually refused or whether you were given the opportunity to withdraw your request for admission. Was the word “refused” stamped anywhere in your passport? What questions were you asked when you arrived at the CBP inspection point? And how did you answer? Being turned away is unusual so something must have been said by either party to lead to that. It sounds like you weren’t refused but allowed to turn around go back to wherever you came from without any consequences. Did they think you were visiting too often? Planning to work? Planning to stay? Were your plans for your trip very vague? How long did you stay in May and how long were you planning to stay in September?