American Samoa 

Congresswoman Aumua Amata is fighting for American Samoa's offshore fishing rights which have been abused by foreign fishing vessels

The new American Samoa Governor Pulaali'i Nikolao Pula, Secretary of the Interior Doug Burgum and Congresswoman Aumua Amata.

February 21, 2025         The American Samoa Congresswoman, Aumua Amata has addressed the need for the US to enforce the fishing limit up to 200 miles offshore of American Samoa, which has been taken over by foreign fishing vessels, from China and Korea. These were her remarks today.

"I gave remarks Wednesday at IGIA, hosted by the Department of the Interior at their DC headquarters, focusing on fishing restoration and the need to remember U.S. Nationals in national policy decisions.

Thank you to Secretary of the Interior Doug Burgum, Governor Pulaali’i Nikolao Pula, the governors and congressional representatives from the other territories, and interagency officials, including Scott Cameron, Senior Advisor to the Secretary Exercising the delegated authority of the Assistant Secretary for Insular and International Affairs; and Alex Meyer, Director, White House Office of Intergovernmental Affairs.

My remarks referenced my recent letter to President Trump, copied to key officials, on the urgent need to reopen fishing in the Pacific Marine Monuments.

“The proposal to re-allow fishing in the Pacific Remote Islands Marine National Monument between 50 & 200 miles offshore – something your predecessor, Secretary Zinke, proposed the last time President Trump was in office in 2017 – is necessary to protect the United States fishing industry. Large swaths of the Pacific Ocean have been cut off from fishing access, and this process has been expanded upon again and again without scientific merit and without proper input from the communities and fishermen who are most affected.

“This is also a matter of National Security, as Illegal and Unreported Fishing and Chinese dominance in the region has only increased while the US fleet continues to shrink. To that end, I believe it is imperative for the safety of American Samoa, the United States, and the Pacific for a permanent Coast Guard station to be established in American Samoa. The white hulls of the Coast Guard are one the best deterrents to Chinese malign influence in the South Pacific. American Samoa has the best deep-water port in the South Pacific and can easily host multiple cutters.

“Related to protecting our fishing and security interests is the need to prop up our island’s economies. I have legislation, H.R. 399, that would make the American Samoa Economic Development Tax Credit permanent. Initiatives such as these, which encourage businesses to invest in the otherwise isolated territories, are important to keep us on par with the rest of the country. Each of the governors here today have spoken to their island’s unique challenges and priorities, but the need for continued economic development is something we all have in common as remote islands on a global stage.

“With Mr. Howard Lutnick’s confirmation as Secretary of Commerce, I look forward to working with the Dept. of Commerce, DOI, and the rest of the new administration on these important issues facing our Pacific Island Territories.

“Another thing that I ask the Administration to keep in mind is American Samoa’s unique relationship with the United States. Despite our status as US Nationals rather than US Citizens, we owe our permanent allegiance to the US and remain dedicated to this country’s ideals. As the administration moves forward with their new policies to reform Medicaid or other key benefits for quote unquote ‘citizens,’ please don’t overlook this small but loyal group of Americans due to our technical designation. The 125-year relationship between American Samoa and the federal government is one built on mutual respect and recognition – a relationship I am sure this new Administration intends to continue.”

My speech thanked federal officials for listening to the territories’ governors, and thanked the DOI for hosting the 2025 Plenary Session of the Interagency Group on Insular Areas."

Congresswoman Aumua Amata.

Report from Manu'a

By Enele Lefano

President Trump selects a Samoan Woman, Tulsi Gabbard as his Director of National Intelligence.

Tulsi Gabbard is confirmed as the Director of National Intelligence for the United States.

By

Albert Ainu'u

tamafaiga@gmail.com

San Diego, CALIFORNIA---This is a first in the history of American Samoa and the United States of America. A Samoan woman, who was born in American Samoa, a territory in the South Pacific, has been selected to head perhaps the most important position in the incoming administration, which is controlling all the intelligence agencies of America, a major responsibility to be held by any person. But that President Trump selected Tulsi Gabbard, is quite disconcerting for many in Washington DC, who expect another deep state operative to hold this position. However, because of her heritage, she is a source of pride for the many Samoans around the world. What is quite impressive is she has been placed in such a position of high consequence, which has been discussed in the media almost constantly, but she has not shown any intimidation or hesitation.  Even in the face of extremely antagonistic media and US Senate scrutiny which she had to deal with for the last few months as it became clear she was the front runner for this most prestigious and difficult calling. However, President Trump was never in doubt as to who he trusted with the security of the USA's intelligence community. On Wednesday, February 12, 2025, his appointee, Tulsi was confirmed by a vote of 52-48 in the Senate and the President swore her in at the Oval Office while her husband Abraham Williams, a Samoan from Auckland, New Zealand watched with pride. 

The Samoan communities in American Samoa, the US, New Zealand, Australia and Samoa, all celebrated this monumental achievement by one their own. It brought to mind the comparison to Nafanua, the female warrior King Maker of old, in terms of the power she has been entrusted with. The various intelligence agencies (about 17 in total) all answer to her. She is the President's right hand woman when it comes to deciphering the various intelligence reports which will be sent to her. This is a very serious responsibility as the security of the USA is in her hands because many of the assets that are within various nations, both known and unknown, will be answering to her.

Tulsi Gabbard was a Democrat candidate for President in 2016 where she ran unsuccessfully, but was able to exhibit her lack of fear and her courage in face of powerful Democrat candidates such as Kamala Harris and Joe Biden. She then realized that the Democrat Party was not the Party she wanted to represent and has been seen progressively becoming more conservative and "common sense", which aligned her more with Republican Donald Trump and who she became a strong supporter for in the 2024 election.

Tulsi, a veteran of the Iraqi war, represents a radical difference between the Democrats of old and the "woke" Democrat Party in place right now that seems anti-American at times. She has left the Democrats and so have many others including the new Director of Health under President Trump, Robert F Kennedy. Jr.  Tulsi's military service was very endearing to many Americans as she was loyal to the flag and the values of America. Her father, Mike Gabbard, is very proud of his daughter, as she has been a steady and humble servant of the people, not only as a soldier, but as a Congresswoman from Hawaii, and now as the Director of National Intelligence.

Our Samoan family have shown great support and love for Tulsi, as has been witnessed on the various news broadcasts and news media of Samoa. We here at Le Malae Media wish her the best and God's blessings and protection as she begins her duties as the United States Director of National Intelligence.

Introducing American Samoa's new Governor, Pulaalii Nikolao and Lieutenant Governor Pulu Ae Ae Jr.

Pula’ali’i Nikolao Iuli Tuiteleleapaga Pula is the youngest son of twelve children of Nikolao Iuli Tuiteleleapaga Pula, Sr. from the village of Leone & Oloalilo Ta’afulisia Simanuali’i Afoa Lutu Molio’o from the villages of Utulei, Fagatogo, and Pago Pago.  His father was one of the pioneers of the public school system in American Samoa.   His mother was a strong woman of faith that valued honesty and hard work.  He is married to his wife Lois Phillips-Pula, Ph.D., a retired professor from the Georgetown University School of Nursing.

Pula’ali’i attended Catholic schools in his primary years, and later graduated from Marist Brothers High School, Atu’u, American Samoa as the valedictorian in 1974. He continued his undergraduate studies at Menlo College in Atheron, California, and later continued at Brigham Young University at Provo, Utah. Upon his junior year at BYU Provo, he received his calling in 1978 to serve a mission in Upolu, Savaii, and Tutuila. He would later return to his studies at the George Mason University in Fairfax, Virginia. Upon completion of his mission, Pula worked a short stint at the American Samoa Fono Legislature in the Reference Bureau. In 1981, he relocated to the mainland Washington D.C. and worked for Hawaii Senator Daniel K. Inouye as a special assistant for a year and half. He later worked as a legislative assistant to Congressman Fofo I.F. Sunia of American Samoa, and was the staff director of the Subcommittee on Public Building and Grounds of the House Committee on Public Works and Transportation. While on Capitol Hill for eleven years, he held different positions for both the House of Representatives, and the US Senate; he also worked for Senate Sergeant-at-Arms. In 1993, he later joined the Department of Interior (DOI) Office of Insular Affairs (OIA) as the Policy Desk Officer for the Commonwealth of the Northern Marianas Islands (CNMI), and later he became the Policy Division Director.

At OIA from 1999 to 2002, he was immersed in a pivotal role and served as Acting Director of OIA. In August 2002, under the President Bush Administration and despite the expectation of many, Pula Nikolao was appointed as the Director of OIA. The position, normally a political appointee, was pronounced by deputy assistant secretary of Interior David B. Cohen, that because of Pula’s ability to navigate the role, a bipartisan approach was implemented. Cohen further stated about the selection, “Nik has a great amount of credibility with Republicans and Democrats alike, both on Capitol Hill, and in this administration.” Nik would be the first Pacific Islander of Samoan ancestry to be the DOI’s Director of Insular Affairs. During his tenure, he also served as the Acting Assistant Secretary of the Insular Affairs from January-September 2009, and January-February and July 2014. He would serve as the Director of DOI-OIA for the next twenty years from 2002 to 2022 when he retired as a Career (Senior Executive Service) Director of the Office of Insular Affairs of the Department of the Interior.

High Chief Pulu Ae Ae Jr. has been happily married to Titilupe Ae for 54 years. Together they have 8 children whom they’ve raised in the church, strong in Samoan cultural values of fa’aaloalo (respect), alofa (love) and fa’amalosi (strength). While deeply rooted in tradition and culture, the Ae family values their privacy and maintains a modest profile, choosing to let their actions speak louder than words. Pulu Ae born and raised most of his life in the village of Pago Pago only left when he joined the United States Army for better educational opportunities for his children.

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Pulu Ae Ae Jr. is a dedicated Army veteran, with a steadfast commitment to serving the people of American Samoa. With 20 years of honorable service to our country he brings a unique blend of leadership, integrity, and deep understanding of duty to public office.

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While in the military Pulu Ae served numerous tours of duty during the Operation Desert Storm (1990-1991) in Iraq and Kuwait, where he demonstrated unparalleled bravery and resilience in the face of adversity.  These trying missions have prepared him for a time such as now, where as the need for brave leaders with strong moral and ethical conviction will stand up and take lead for an HONEST GOVERNMENT.

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Following his military career Pulu Ae returned to American Samoa and continued his dedication to public service.  Pulu Ae’s career began from a grassroots level building relationships while gaining support and understanding from local issues.  Pulu Ae’s first public office held was serving as Pulenu’u /Mayor of Pago Pago for 5 years, he steadily climbed the political ladder, earning the trust and support of constituents every step of the way.  Pulu immediately became known as a man of action and integrity in the village of Pago Pago which secured him an opportunity to run and win the Faipule/House of Representative seat for the village of Pago Pago. He would remain into the House of Representative for 10 years serving the village of his people. He quickly garnered the island wide reputation as a “straight shooter’ a man of his word, who was for the people and only feared God.

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Pulu Ae’s time served as Faipule/House of Representative was not a walk in the park as he openly challenged and sought transparency and accountability from his colleagues in the House of Representative and Senate to make sure that the people he represented were being heard.  Driven by the desire to make a difference Pulu Ae was given the opportunity to represent all  of American Samoa being hired federally as the Director for the office of Congresswoman Uifa’atali Amata Radewagen in American Samoa, where he served faithfully for 10 years.  He continued to champion and being an advocate for all the constituents of American Samoa and tackled tough issues head-on both locally and federally.

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Being in this position Pulu heard the mounting issues of the public, which brought him to leave his federal position and serve the people of American Samoa as gubernatorial candidate Lt. Governor along side Pula’alii Nikolao Pula gubernatorial candidate for Governor.

Now, as the Lt. Gov. with the new Gov. Elect Pula’alii Nikolao Pula, Pulu Ae brings a wealth of experience and a deep understanding of the needs and concerns of the community.  A honest fresh perspective, a clear vision for the future, and a commitment to offering HOPE.  With his strong foundation built on integrity, resilience, and genuine passion for public service, Pulu Ae is poised to continue to serve, especially when being called by God.

Challenges Faced During the Transfer of Power at American Samoa's Gubernatorial Inauguration 

January 4th, 2025 

By Hannah Tuana'itau Wright

The transfer of power ceremony at the American Samoa gubernatorial inauguration on January 4th, 2025, was expected to be a significant and seamless event, marking the official beginning of a new leadership under Governor A. Samoa Pulaalii Nikolao and Lieutenant Governor Pulu Ae. However, what was anticipated to be a smooth transition quickly became a daunting challenge for the incoming team. The inauguration, scheduled precisely at 12:00 PM, coincided with the transition of power from the outgoing administration, headed by the one-term Governor Lemanu Peleti Mauga and Lieutenant Governor Laapui Ale. But the transfer turned out to be more complicated than anyone had anticipated. In a surprising turn of events, the outgoing government team was reported to have hidden critical government equipment and vehicles. The hidden assets were necessary for the day-to-day functions of the new administration. These challenges, coupled with an array of other unexpected obstacles—some organizational, some stemming from attitudes of the outgoing officials—created a chaotic atmosphere. Amidst these difficulties, the incoming Governor Pulaalii Nikolao Pula and Lt. Governor Pulu Ae found themselves scrambling to manage the situation. Their team worked tirelessly behind the scenes, navigating logistical issues and handling the added stress of securing equipment and ensuring that the ceremony could proceed as planned. From missing official documents to delays in key government vehicle handovers, the smooth transition of power seemed elusive. Despite these hurdles, the inauguration went forward, and Pulaalii Nikolao Pula and Pulu Ae managed to address immediate concerns, ensuring that the event continued with as much dignity and efficiency as possible. While the inauguration ceremony was a success in its symbolic significance, the day was a reminder of the complexities and challenges that can accompany transitions of power. The new administration faces the task of not only recovering from the immediate logistical setbacks but also establishing effective governance in the face of a difficult start. The incoming leadership, however, remains resolute. They have expressed confidence that the difficulties faced on the day of the inauguration will not define their tenure. The hope is that, with time, the focus will shift