WA Premier Cook Apologizes Over Remark About JD Vance

Western Australian Premier Roger Cook apologized for calling US Vice President JD Vance a 'knob' during a Leadership Matters event in Perth. Cook's remarks, intended as light-hearted, received laughter and applause from the audience but also sparked criticism, particularly from political opponents. He later clarified that he meant no offense and apologized to those who might have been offended, including Vance. The incident occurred amid tensions surrounding Vance's recent meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, which ended contentiously. Cook also commented on the uncertainty posed by the Trump administration, emphasizing the need for experienced leadership in such times. Despite the backlash, former WA Premier Mark McGowan supported Cook's remarks, describing them as accurate.