A small town mayor in New Zealand has ignited a controversy after CBS News reported that President Donald Trump, during his recent inauguration, erroneously credited Americans with the historical feat of splitting the atom. This claim has generated considerable backlash in New Zealand, where the honor is rightfully attributed to renowned physicist Sir Ernest Rutherford, a Kiwi who first accomplished this milestone in 1917 at the University of Manchester in the United Kingdom.

During his inauguration speech, Trump asserted, “Americans crossed deserts, scaled mountains, braved untold dangers, won the Wild West, ended slavery, rescued millions from tyranny, lifted billions from poverty, harnessed electricity, split the atom, launched mankind into the heavens and put the universe of human knowledge into the palm of the human hand.” However, the impact of this comment was noted by AP News, highlighting the vocal response it elicited from New Zealand citizens who pride themselves on Rutherford's legacy.

New Zealand's mayor of Nelson, Nick Smith, expressed his surprise via social media over Trump's claim, emphasizing the importance of maintaining an accurate historical record. He mentioned, “I would invite the US ambassador to New Zealand to visit the Lord Rutherford memorial in Brightwater so we can keep the historic record on who split the atom first accurate.” This sentiment resonated with critics and supporters alike, showcasing the sense of national pride tied to Rutherford's achievements.

Rutherford is not only acknowledged for the initial experimentation in splitting the atom but also for laying the foundational principles of nuclear physics. His groundbreaking work involved the artificial induction of a nuclear reaction, while English scientist John Cockcroft and Irishman Ernest Walton are credited with performing the first controlled experiment to split an atomic nucleus in 1932.

Online reactions from New Zealanders reflected their frustration, including those expressed by The Guardian's Ben Uffindell, who quipped, “Okay, I’ve gotta call time. Trump just claimed America split the atom. That’s THE ONE THING WE DID.”

The cultural connection to Rutherford runs deep in New Zealand, where his image graces the 100-dollar banknote, representing both scientific achievement and national pride. This recent incident has only amplified discussions surrounding the ownership of scientific milestones and the importance of recognizing foundational contributions accurately.

As debates over historical accuracy continue, many New Zealanders remain committed to preserving the legacy of Sir Ernest Rutherford amid a backdrop of political rhetoric from abroad.