NZ High Commissioner Dismissed Over Trump Comments

Phil Goff, New Zealand's High Commissioner to the UK, was dismissed for comments made at a Chatham House event in London, which questioned US President Donald Trump's understanding of history. Goff referenced Winston Churchill's 1938 speech criticizing the Munich Agreement, asking if Trump, who had restored a Churchill bust to the Oval Office, truly comprehended historical events. New Zealand's Foreign Minister Winston Peters deemed the remarks 'deeply disappointing' and 'untenable,' stating such comments do not align with the government's views and undermine diplomatic conduct. Former Prime Minister Helen Clark criticized the decision as overly sensitive. The Secretary of Foreign Affairs and Trade is overseeing the leadership transition at the High Commission. Goff had been New Zealand's envoy since January 2023, following a long political career.