Trump's pick for Iceland ambassador apologizes for joking about Arctic nation becoming 52nd state

Former Congressman Billy Long, nominated by Donald Trump to be ambassador to Iceland, apologized for joking about Iceland becoming the "52nd state" with him as governor. Long made the comment privately to House lawmakers, later explaining it was an off-the-cuff remark among friends. This comes amid renewed threats from Trump to acquire Greenland, a Danish territory, potentially through military force. Trump claims that if the U.S. doesn't take Greenland, Russia or China will. These threats have been met with opposition from Denmark, other European countries, and even some U.S. lawmakers, who fear such action would violate NATO's Article V and potentially end the alliance. Iceland, a NATO member, has also expressed opposition to Trump's threats regarding Greenland.

Donald Trump's nominee for US ambassador to Iceland, Billy Long, is facing backlash in Iceland after reportedly joking that the country should become the 52nd US state. The comment, reported by Politico, prompted Iceland's foreign ministry to seek clarification from the US embassy. An online petition calling for Long's rejection as ambassador has garnered over 3,200 signatures, citing the remark as offensive to Iceland's sovereignty. Long has since apologized, stating the comment was made in jest during a conversation with friends and was not meant to be taken seriously. He expressed his desire to work with the Icelandic people and regretted any offense caused.