Samoa Prime Minister Apologizes for Nazi Salute in Video

Samoa’s Prime Minister La’auli Leuatea Schmidt has issued an apology after a previously unseen video surfaced showing him leading a Nazi salute and saying 'Heil Hitler' at a family gathering. The video, published by the Samoa Observer, was recorded during a family reunion on the island of Savai‘i in July 2007, when Schmidt was serving as an MP and deputy speaker of parliament. In the seven-second clip, Schmidt is seen holding a microphone, leading a group in a 'hip hip' exchange before instructing attendees to raise their right hands and say 'Heil Hitler.' Approximately a dozen individuals in the video appear to follow his lead. Radio New Zealand confirmed the authenticity of the footage through its correspondent in Samoa. In his apology issued on Monday, Schmidt stated that the words and gesture were inappropriate, regardless of the context, and expressed regret for any offense caused. He emphasized his rejection of Nazism, antisemitism, racism, and all forms of political extremism, asserting that the incident does not reflect his beliefs or the values of Samoa’s government and people. The apology came after criticism from academics, including historian Richard Evans, who described the footage as 'shocking and disturbing,' and University of Canterbury academic Anne-Marie Brady, who called for an explanation and apology from Schmidt. Since becoming prime minister in 2025, Schmidt has publicly supported Israel, wearing a Jewish prayer shawl during his swearing-in ceremony and pledging to establish a Samoan embassy in Jerusalem by the end of 2026, a move that has been controversial due to the city's disputed status. In his statement, Schmidt indicated that he considers the matter resolved and will now focus on addressing the country’s economic and social challenges.