In brief
In a surprising move, Samoa’s Prime Minister Laaulialemalietoa Leuatea Schmidt has publicly apologized for a 2007 video in which he performed a Nazi salute and shouted “Heil Hitler” at a private family gathering. The seven‑second clip, filmed when Schmidt was deputy speaker of parliament, shows him leading a small group in the salute and thanking them afterward. Schmidt denied any extremist affiliations, stating the gesture was inappropriate, not intended for public view, and that he rejects Nazism, antisemitism, racism and all forms of political extremism. The clip resurfaced after being first reported by the Samoa Observer, sparking debate over historical sensitivities in the island nation. Schmidt, who has Samoan and German heritage and took office in September 2025, has also been a vocal supporter of Israel and has used his platform to condemn political extremism.
Samoa’s Prime Minister Laaulialemalietoa Leuatea Schmidt has issued a formal apology after a 2007 video surfaced showing him giving a Nazi salute and shouting “Heil Hitler” at a private family gathering.
In the short seven‑second clip, Schmidt can be seen raising his right hand and leading a group of about a dozen people in the salute, followed by him thanking the attendees for their response.
Schmidt released a statement on Facebook, acknowledging that the words and gesture were inappropriate, not intended for public exposure, and that he rejects Nazism, antisemitism, racism and all forms of political extremism.
The footage was first reported by the local outlet Samoa Observer, which noted that the video was recorded at a family reunion in July 2007 when Schmidt was deputy speaker of parliament.
Schmidt, who is of Samoan and German heritage, entered office as the country’s eighth prime minister in September 2025. He has since been a vocal supporter of Israel, wearing a Jewish prayer shawl at his swearing‑in ceremony and publicly declaring that “Samoa stands with Israel.”
In the wake of the apology, the incident has sparked discussion about the lingering impact of historical symbols and the responsibilities of public figures in small island democracies.
