Mess with the bull and you’re bound to get the horns.
New Zealand’s top diplomat in the U.K. was dismissed after questioning President Donald Trump’s grasp of history and his approach to Russia. The incident occurred during a Chatham House event in London, where Phil Goff, New Zealand’s high commissioner to the U.K., made controversial remarks about Trump’s understanding of historical events.
Goff attempted to compare President Trump’s stance on Russia with Winston Churchill’s leadership during World War II. He brought up a speech from 1938 in which Churchill criticized British Prime Minister Neville Chamberlain for signing the Munich Agreement with Adolf Hitler, a key moment in history that many view as a failure of diplomacy. Goff’s comments were particularly pointed when he remarked that while President Trump had reinstated a bust of Churchill in the Oval Office, it was unclear whether he truly understood the significance of Churchill’s leadership.
Goff’s remarks were directed to Finnish Foreign Minister Elina Valtonen, who appeared uncomfortable and refrained from commenting directly on Trump. She instead referred to Churchill’s wisdom as “timeless.”
New Zealand’s Foreign Minister, Winston Peters, responded sharply to Goff’s statements, calling them “deeply disappointing” and saying they made his role as high commissioner “untenable.” Peters emphasized that as a representative of New Zealand, Goff’s personal opinions could not be allowed to overshadow the official stance of the government.
Peters also clarified that if Goff had made similar remarks about any other nation, he would have had no choice but to act. He explained that diplomats are expected to represent the government’s views and policies, not engage in personal political commentary.
Phil Goff’s career includes serving as New Zealand’s foreign minister, Labour Party leader, and Auckland’s mayor. He was appointed as high commissioner to the U.K. in 2022.
