Samoan Prime Minister Apologizes for Nazi Salute in 2007 Video
Laaulialemalietoa Leuatea Schmidt expresses regret after a video surfaces showing him leading a group in a Nazi salute at a private family gathering.
Samoa's prime minister has apologized after a video emerged showing him giving a Nazi salute while saying "Heil Hitler" at a private family gathering in 2007. In the seven-second clip, Laaulialemalietoa Leuatea Schmidt is seen leading approximately a dozen people in the gesture.
Schmidt acknowledged that his words and gesture "were inappropriate and capable of causing offence and hurt," and stated that the clip was recorded at a private gathering and "not intended for the public." He further declared, "I reject Nazism, antisemitism, racism and all forms of political extremism."
The footage was first reported by the Samoa Observer and reportedly filmed at a Schmidt family reunion when the prime minister was deputy speaker of parliament. A family member is quoted as saying Schmidt was the master of ceremonies at the event.
Samoa, an island nation located between New Zealand and Hawaii, was under German control in the early 20th century. Schmidt, who has Samoan and German heritage, became Samoa's eighth prime minister in September 2025. Earlier in his premiership, he wore a Jewish prayer shawl during his swearing-in ceremony and expressed support for Israel, stating, "Samoa stands with Israel."