In brief
A seven‑second clip filmed in 2007 shows Samoa’s prime minister, Laaulialemalietoa Leuatea Schmidt, performing a Nazi salute while shouting Heil Hitler at a family gathering. The footage, released by local media, led Schmidt to issue an apology and affirm his rejection of Nazism, antisemitism and all forms of extremism. He clarified that the event was a private gathering and not intended for public display. The incident has drawn attention to the politician’s German heritage and his recent support for Israel during his premiership.
Samoa’s premier has issued a public apology after a video from 2007 surfaced, showing him performing a Nazi salute and shouting Heil Hitler at a family gathering.
The clip, which is only seven seconds long, was taken during a private reunion in July 2007. In the recording, Chairman Schmidt leads a small group in the salute and encourages them with the phrase Heil Hitler before thanking them for their response.
Schmidt, who is of Samoan and German descent, said the remarks and gesture were inappropriate and capable of causing offence. He clarified that the event was not meant for public audiences and reiterated that he rejects Nazism, antisemitism, racism and all forms of political extremism.
The footage was first reported by the Samoa Observer this week. The organization noted that the video was filmed at a family reunion and that Schmidt was then the deputy speaker of parliament.
Samoa is a small island nation of roughly 221,000 people, located midway between New Zealand and Hawaii. It was under German control in the early years of the twentieth century, but the colonial period ended shortly after the first World War.
Schmidt assumed office as the country’s eighth prime minister in September 2025. He has highlighted his support for Israel, saying that Samoa stands with the land of God during his early days in office.
