New Zealand’s Foreign Minister Winston Peters announced the dismissal of Phil Goff following his remarks about US President Donald Trump. Peters stated that this decision was necessary to represent the government’s policies. According to Radio New Zealand (RNZ), Peters addressed the issue with journalists in the New Zealand Parliament, revealing that Goff was relieved of his duties as the High Commissioner to the UK after his statement questioning whether Trump truly understands history. Peters described Goff’s dismissal as “one of the toughest decisions in his political career,” emphasizing the need to represent the government’s policies during one’s tenure. Peters highlighted that someone holding such a position cannot express independent views that do not meet the government’s expectations. Goff was removed from his position following a question he posed to Finnish Foreign Minister Elina Valtonen during an event at Chatham House on Tuesday, March 4th. Referring to former British Prime Minister Winston Churchill’s words about choosing between dishonor and war, Goff questioned Trump’s understanding of history after the President returned Churchill’s bust to the Oval Office, asking, “Do you truly understand history?” New Zealand uses the title of “High Commissioner” instead of “Ambassador” for its top diplomatic representatives in Commonwealth of Nations member countries, reflecting historical ties and special relationships.