An Australian politician walked back his remark calling J.D. Vance a "knob," clarifying on Tuesday that he did not intend to offend anyone with the offhand comment made to reporters.
Roger Cook, who has been Premier of Western Australia since 2022, made the comment during a breakfast function in Perth when asked to give a quick reaction to various political figures and issues, the Financial Review reported.
His one-word response—"knob"—sparked laughter and applause from the audience, which included business leaders and former Premier Mark McGowan.
The remark came amid heightened tensions between Australia and the U.S. over trade tariffs and the AUKUS defense agreement, as well as Vance's involvement in a recent Oval Office dispute with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.
Following media coverage of the incident, Cook addressed reporters later on Tuesday, acknowledging that his comment was "light-hearted and unprofessional" but not meant to cause offense.
He also noted that while some people found it amusing, others may have been offended, and for that he apologized.
© 2025 Latin Times. All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission.
