New Zealand’s high commissioner to the United Kingdom has been dismissed from his position after he questioned US President Donald Trump’s understanding of history. The remarks made his position “untenable” in the eyes of New Zealand’s government.

Speaking at a Chatham House event in London, Phil Goff, the high commissioner, mentioned Winston Churchill’s 1938 speech to the House of Commons condemning the Munich Agreement with Adolf Hitler. Goff then questioned whether President Trump, who has restored a bust of Churchill in the Oval Office, truly comprehends history. This comment drew laughter from the audience.

New Zealand’s foreign minister, Winston Peters, stated that Goff’s actions were “seriously regrettable” and that he would have acted similarly if the remarks were made about any other nation’s leader. Goff’s position as an envoy required him to represent the government’s views and policies, rather than expressing his own thoughts.

The secretary of foreign affairs and trade, Bede Corry, will now handle the transition of leadership. This move comes as New Zealand aims to maintain its relationship with the US, its largest export market, amidst concerns about the Trump administration’s treatment of its allies.

Prime Minister Christopher Luxon recently stated that he trusts Trump but will continue to prioritize New Zealand’s national interests. Goff, a former Labour party leader and Auckland mayor, was appointed to the role in 2022 during Jacinda Ardern’s administration and his term is now set to end earlier than planned.

Former prime minister Helen Clark called the decision to sack Goff “a very thin excuse” and a highly respected former foreign minister. This is not the first time Goff has made impolite comments during his tenure, as he offended the Māori King, Kīngi Tūheitia, at an event for a New Zealand delegation attending King Charles’s coronation.

The Guardian tried to contact Goff through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs but was informed that discussions about his return to New Zealand are ongoing and there are no further comments.

Source: https://www.theguardian.com/world/2025/mar/06/phil-goff-donald-trump-comments-new-zealand-high-commissioner-removed-chatham-house-ntwnfb