Western Australia’s Premier, Roger Cook, landed himself in hot water after calling US Vice-President JD Vance a “knob” during a live event.
Speaking at The West Australian’s Leadership Matters event on Tuesday, Cook was asked to complete the sentence: “JD Vance is a…” His response?
“Knob.”
The audience erupted in laughter, and Cook followed up with: “Sorry, you’ve got to have one unprofessional moment on stage.”
However, as the day went on, that “unprofessional moment” quickly turned into a political headache.
Damage control begins
By the afternoon, Cook was already backtracking. At a press conference in Pinjarra, he apologised, saying:
“It was a light moment… perhaps an unprofessional moment. I didn’t mean any offence by it.”
He also noted that his remark had been well-received in the room, adding:
“Some people enjoyed the fun, but if anyone was offended, I apologise.”
Despite the apology, opposition figures wasted no time in slamming Cook’s remarks.
Backlash from political rivals
Liberal leader Libby Mettam didn’t hold back, calling Cook’s comments “foolish” and accusing him of being out of his depth.
“It is not the Premier’s job to comment on international matters. He should focus on fixing WA’s broken health system, keeping the lights on, and tackling law and order issues.”
Meanwhile, Treasurer Jim Chalmers took a more diplomatic approach, saying:
“It’s up to Roger Cook to choose his own words… I would choose different ones.”
Former Premier Mark McGowan, on the other hand, openly backed Cook’s remark, saying:
“I thought Roger was entirely accurate… He answered honestly. He is (a knob).”
Will this hurt Australia-US relations?
When asked if his comments could affect WA’s relationship with the US, particularly through the AUKUS defence agreement, Cook brushed it off.
“I don’t think the people in the Oval Office are listening to a sub-jurisdictional chief executive in Western Australia.”
That might be true—but it hasn’t stopped his critics from questioning whether he should be weighing in on US politics at all.
Not his first foray into US politics
This isn’t the first time Cook has taken aim at American leadership. Last year, just hours before Donald Trump secured re-election, Cook said on ABC Radio:
“It’s a decision between the great pathway of democracy that Kamala Harris represents… or the darkness, the dark road that Donald Trump represents.”
Given this history, it’s no surprise his latest comments have reignited debate over whether WA’s Premier should be wading into global political waters.
With a state election just days away, Cook is hoping voters focus on his policies—not his quips. But whether this “knob” comment fades into the background or lingers as a political gaffe remains to be seen.
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