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Former Trump Nominee Apologizes for Joke About Making Iceland “52nd State”
Former Missouri Representative Billy Long has issued an apology after comments suggesting Iceland would become the “52nd state” with him serving as governor sparked diplomatic tension between the United States and the Nordic island nation.
Long, who was recently nominated by President Donald Trump to serve as U.S. ambassador to Iceland, explained that his remarks were made in jest during a reunion with former congressional colleagues on the House floor earlier this week.
“I was with some people who I hadn’t met for three years, and they were kidding about Jeff Landry being governor of Greenland, and they started joking about me,” Long told Arctic Today. “If anyone took offense to it, then I apologize. I look forward to working with the people of Iceland.”
The incident comes amid increasing controversy surrounding Trump’s public statements about acquiring Greenland, a semi-autonomous territory of Denmark. Trump recently appointed Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry as a special envoy to Greenland and has repeatedly stated his intention to take control of the Arctic island “one way or the other.”
“We are going to do something on Greenland, whether they like it or not,” Trump declared last week. “Because if we don’t do it, Russia or China will take over Greenland, and we’re not going to have Russia or China as a neighbor.”
These statements have alarmed NATO allies, particularly Denmark, which has responded by sending additional troops to Greenland as a precautionary measure. Some Trump administration officials have reportedly discussed using military force to acquire Greenland—an action that would violate NATO’s Article V, which considers an attack on one member nation an attack on all alliance members.
Iceland, itself a NATO member, has joined other European nations in opposing Trump’s Greenland ambitions. Long’s comments, even if intended as humor, struck a particularly sensitive nerve in the current geopolitical climate.
The Icelandic Ministry for Foreign Affairs promptly demanded clarification from the U.S. Embassy in Reykjavík following reports of Long’s remarks. Sigmar Guðmundsson, a member of the Icelandic Parliament, emphasized the seriousness of the situation, telling Icelandic media outlet MBL: “There is no doubt that this is very serious for a small country like Iceland. We need to understand that all the security arguments made by the U.S. regarding Greenland also apply to Iceland.”
Some Icelandic citizens have launched a petition urging their government to reject Long’s ambassadorial appointment if confirmed by the U.S. Senate. The petition has reportedly gathered around 2,000 signatures.
On Capitol Hill, reactions to Long’s comments have been mixed. Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-S.D.) downplayed the incident, telling Politico that Long was “probably having some fun” and “I wouldn’t read too much into that.”
The controversy reflects broader tensions surrounding U.S. Arctic policy under Trump. While some Republicans, like Rep. Randy Fine (R-Fla.), have introduced legislation to make Greenland the 51st U.S. state, Fine has emphasized that any acquisition should be voluntary. Trump has previously suggested making Canada the 51st state as well.
Long, who represented Missouri in Congress from 2011 to 2023 and briefly served as IRS commissioner last year, will likely face questions about these comments during his Senate confirmation hearings for the ambassadorial position. The diplomatic incident underscores the challenges of navigating international relations in the Arctic region, an area of increasing strategic importance due to climate change, resource potential, and geopolitical competition.
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15 Comments
I hope this doesn’t further strain US-Iceland relations. Iceland is an important strategic ally in the Arctic region, and we should be focused on strengthening ties, not making jokes about annexation.
Absolutely. Diplomacy requires tact and sensitivity, especially when dealing with smaller nations. Loose comments can have serious consequences.
Interesting diplomatic incident. While a joke, this type of comment could be seen as disrespectful to Iceland’s sovereignty. Ambassadors need to be careful with their words, even in jest.
Agreed. As the US representative, he needs to be mindful of maintaining good relations and not making light of geopolitical matters.
While the remark was likely just an ill-advised attempt at humor, it’s concerning to see this kind of flippant attitude towards national sovereignty, even in jest. The US needs to be more mindful of its global influence.
Agreed. Ambassadors should be chosen for their diplomatic skills and ability to represent US interests respectfully on the world stage.
This seems like an unfortunate gaffe that could have been easily avoided. Ambassadors need to be mindful of cultural nuances and avoid making light of national sovereignty, even in passing.
Absolutely. Diplomacy requires a deft touch, and this example highlights the need for better vetting of potential ambassadors.
I hope this incident doesn’t derail the nomination process. Iceland is a key NATO ally, and we need reliable representation there to advance our shared interests in the region.
Agreed. Maintaining strong diplomatic ties with Iceland should be a priority, even if this was just an ill-advised joke.
While the comment was made in jest, it’s understandable that Icelanders would find it offensive. The US should choose its ambassadors carefully to avoid such diplomatic missteps.
This highlights the need for professionalism and cultural sensitivity when it comes to diplomatic appointments. The US should be careful not to antagonize important Arctic partners like Iceland.
I hope this doesn’t create lasting tensions between the US and Iceland. As an Arctic nation, Iceland is an important strategic partner, and we need to approach relations there with care and respect.
While the comment was clearly meant as a joke, it’s understandable that Icelanders would find it disrespectful. The US should be mindful of how its representatives are perceived on the global stage.
Agreed. Diplomacy is a delicate balance, and even offhand remarks can have serious consequences. The US needs to choose its ambassadors wisely.