Samoa's Prime Minister La'auli Leuatea Schmidt has apologised after a previously unseen video showed him leading a Nazi salute and saying 'Heil Hitler' at a family gathering in 2007. The seven-second clip, published by the Samoa Observer on Sunday, was recorded at a Schmidt family reunion on the island of Savai'i when he was an MP and deputy speaker of parliament.
In the footage, Schmidt is seen holding a microphone as he leads a 'hip hip' exchange with the group before instructing those present to raise their right hands and say 'Heil Hitler'. About a dozen people visible in the footage appear to follow him. Radio New Zealand said it independently verified the footage through its correspondent in Samoa.
Schmidt, who became prime minister in 2025, apologised on Monday, stating that the words and gesture were inappropriate regardless of what was intended at the gathering. 'I reject Nazism, antisemitism, racism and all forms of political extremism,' he said, adding that the episode did not represent his beliefs or the values of Samoa's government and people.
The apology followed criticism from academics contacted by the Samoa Observer. Richard Evans, a historian of Nazi Germany, described the footage as 'shocking and disturbing'. Anne-Marie Brady of the University of Canterbury said Schmidt should explain and apologise.
Schmidt has made strong public expressions of support for Israel, wearing a Jewish prayer shawl at his swearing-in, where a shofar, a horn used in Jewish religious ceremonies, was sounded. He has also pledged to open a Samoan embassy in Jerusalem before the end of 2026, a step taken by only a handful of countries because of the city's disputed status and Palestinian claims to East Jerusalem as the capital of a future state. In his statement, Schmidt said he considered the controversy addressed and would focus on the country's economic and social challenges.
Analysis
Why This Matters
- The scandal risks damaging Samoa's international reputation, particularly with Jewish communities and Israel, ahead of a planned embassy opening in Jerusalem.
- It tests Schmidt's leadership credibility after less than two years in office, with domestic political opponents likely to seize on the footage.
- The incident highlights how past behaviour can resurface to challenge political figures in the social media era.
Background
La'auli Leuatea Schmidt became prime minister of Samoa in 2025. Since taking office, he has made conspicuous gestures of support for Israel, including wearing a Jewish prayer shawl at his swearing-in ceremony, where a shofar was sounded. He has also pledged to open a Samoan embassy in Jerusalem before the end of 2026, a move that only a few countries have made due to the city's disputed status under international law. The video from July 2007, when Schmidt was a member of parliament and deputy speaker, shows him leading a Nazi salute at a family reunion on the island of Savai'i.
Key Perspectives
La'auli Leuatea Schmidt: The prime minister has apologised, calling the gesture inappropriate and saying it does not reflect his beliefs. He maintains he rejects Nazism, antisemitism and racism, and has pointed to his pro-Israel record as evidence of his current views.
Academics and critics: Historian Richard Evans described the footage as 'shocking and disturbing'. Researcher Anne-Marie Brady said Schmidt should explain and apologise. The Samoa Observer's publication of the clip indicates local press scrutiny of the leader's past.
Supporters and government: Schmidt's statement suggests he considers the matter addressed and wants to move on to economic and social issues. His strong pro-Israel stance may help deflect criticism, but the video could undermine the sincerity of those gestures.
What to Watch
- Reaction from Israel and international Jewish organisations to the apology and the embassy pledge.
- Any further domestic political fallout, including calls for resignation or investigations.
- Whether the Jerusalem embassy plan proceeds as scheduled before end of 2026, and whether the scandal affects its reception.