Samoan Prime Minister La’auli Leuatea Schmidt apologized after a 2007 video of him performing a Nazi salute surfaced this week.
Samoa’s Prime Minister La’auli Leuatea Schmidt issued a formal apology this week. The apology follows the release of a video from 2007. The clip shows Schmidt leading a Nazi salute at a family reunion.
The footage surfaced after the Samoa Observer published the seven-second video. It shows Schmidt telling family members to raise their right hands. He also says the phrase “Heil Hitler” during the gathering on Savai‘i island. About a dozen people in the video appear to follow his lead.
Also, Schmidt served as an MP and deputy speaker of parliament at the time of the recording. He rose to the office of prime minister in 2025. The leader publicly rejected Nazism and political extremism in his statement on Monday.
Why this matters
This controversy creates a difficult situation for the Samoan government. Schmidt previously built strong ties with Israel. He even wore a Jewish prayer shawl during his swearing-in ceremony. A traditional horn called a shofar also sounded during that event.
However, critics now question his past actions and their impact on his current agenda. The prime minister pledged to open an embassy in Jerusalem before 2026 ends. This move is rare because of the city's disputed status. The video forces the public to compare his past behavior with his current diplomatic goals.
Meanwhile, academic experts have weighed in on the footage. Historians like Richard Evans called the video shocking and disturbing. Other scholars argued that the prime minister must provide a clear explanation for his past conduct. The public remains divided on whether this old video hurts his ability to lead.
Investigation into the past
After the video emerged, Schmidt insisted that the clip does not reflect his true beliefs. He stated that the words and gestures were inappropriate in any context. He wants to move past the incident to focus on the country’s economy.
Then, the prime minister turned his attention back to his official duties. He noted that Samoa faces many social and economic challenges. He hopes that his apology ends the public debate over the 2007 footage. Many citizens are still waiting to see how this affects his future policies.
How we got here
- July 2007: Schmidt leads a Nazi salute and says “Heil Hitler” at a family event.
- 2014: The Australian government issues a student visa to a man later linked to a plane attack.
- 2019: Australian officials cancel the student visa of the man due to non-enrollment.
- 2025: La’auli Leuatea Schmidt becomes the Prime Minister of Samoa.
- September 30, 2026: A co-pilot on a Flydubai flight attacks his captain with an axe.
- October 2026: The Samoa Observer publishes the 2007 video clip of the Prime Minister.
What happens next
Next, the Samoan government will likely try to quiet the controversy. Schmidt stated he considers the matter addressed. He remains committed to his plan for the embassy in Jerusalem. His administration will focus on domestic issues to distract from the scandal.
Also, international observers will watch for any reaction from foreign partners. If the controversy grows, it could complicate his international diplomatic ties. For now, the prime minister hopes the apology effectively closes this chapter. The coming weeks will show if his supporters accept the explanation or demand further action.