New Zealand Fires Envoy to UK Over Trump Remarks
New Zealand has fired its top diplomat in the United Kingdom. The reason is comments made by High Commissioner Phil Goff that questioned US President Donald Trump’s understanding of history.
Goff was speaking at an event in London on Tuesday. He compared efforts to end the war in Ukraine to a historical agreement made in 1938, which allowed Germany to take control of a neighboring country without a fight. Goff said Trump had restored a bust of Winston Churchill, but didn’t know if he really understood history.
The New Zealand government says these comments were “deeply disappointing”. Foreign Minister Winston Peters says Goff’s job is to represent the government and its policies, not to have his own opinions.
Peters made it clear that Goff’s views do not represent the New Zealand government. He said that when you’re a diplomat, you need to be careful about what you say. You’re representing your country, and you can’t just speak your mind.
Goff has been in his position since January this year. Before that, he had jobs in the government related to justice, foreign affairs, and defense.
Some people are speaking out against Goff’s sacking. Former Prime Minister Helen Clark says it was a “very thin excuse” for firing him. She thinks the decision was made because of what Goff said about Trump, not because of any real problem with his work.