World

Samoa Prime Minister Apologises for Nazi Salute in 2007 Video

By Today News Hours Editorial Desk

Samoa’s prime minister, Laaulialemalietoa Leuatea Schmidt, has issued an apology after a seven‑second clip from July 2007 surfaced showing him giving a Nazi salute and shouting “Heil Hitler” at a family gathering. In the footage, filmed at a private family reunion, Schmidt leads about a dozen people in the salute, says “Raise your right hand, Heil Hitler!” and then thanks the group for their response. He has acknowledged that the words and gesture were inappropriate and could cause offence, noting that the clip was not intended for public view. In a statement posted on Facebook, Schmidt said, “I reject Nazism, antisemitism, racism and all forms of political extremism.” The video was first reported by the Samoa Observer, which noted that Schmidt was deputy speaker of parliament at the time and that a family member described him as the master of ceremonies. Schmidt, who has Samoan and German heritage, became Samoa’s eighth prime minister in September 2025. He previously wore a Jewish prayer shawl during his swearing‑in and has publicly expressed support for Israel, stating that Samoa stands with the land of God.