In a recent inauguration speech, U.S. President Donald Trump inadvertently ignited a controversy in New Zealand by claiming that Americans “split the atom.” This assertion quickly drew ire from New Zealanders, who are proud of Sir Ernest Rutherford, a local hero credited with this significant achievement.

During his address, Trump lauded American accomplishments, stating, “Americans pushed thousands of miles through a rugged land of untamed wilderness, ... split the atom, launched mankind into the heavens...” However, Rutherford, known as the father of nuclear physics, was the one who first successfully split the atom in 1917 at Victoria University of Manchester in England. His groundbreaking research has made him a revered figure in New Zealand, where he remains a source of national pride.

The mayor of Nelson, where Rutherford was born, Nick Smith, expressed surprise and disappointment over Trump’s claim. In a statement on social media, he stated, “I was a bit surprised by President Trump... claiming today Americans 'split the atom' when that honour belongs to Nelson’s most famous and favourite son Sir Ernest Rutherford,” emphasizing that the historic achievement belonged firmly to Rutherford and not to American scientists.

This was not the first time Trump has made such an assertion. Similar comments were made during a 2020 speech at Mount Rushmore. The recent remarks have prompted New Zealanders to voice their frustrations on social media, with many stating that this historic moment should remain credited to Rutherford. Ben Uffindell, editor of the satirical news site The Civilian, tweeted, “Okay, I’ve gotta call time. Trump just claimed America split the atom. That’s THE ONE THING WE DID.”

Rutherford's contributions to science have lasting impacts in nuclear physics, paving the way for modern understandings of the atomic structure. Following his recognition, he won the Nobel Prize in Chemistry in 1908 for his work on radioactivity and is frequently featured in educational materials across New Zealand, where his legacy is celebrated.

As a measure of goodwill, Smith stated he would invite the incoming U.S. ambassador to visit Rutherford's memorial in Brightwater, New Zealand, hoping to set the record straight about who truly split the atom. The U.S. Department of Energy credits both Rutherford for his foundational work and English scientist John Cockcroft along with Irishman Ernest Walton for controlling the first experimental splits of the atomic nucleus in 1932.

For further details, see the report by The Guardian, AP News, and The Independent.