Politics

Trump Ambassador Nominee Apologizes for Joke About Iceland Becoming '52nd State'

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Jan 16, 2026

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Billy Long, President Donald Trump's nominee for ambassador to Iceland, has apologized for a private remark in which he joked that the Nordic nation would become the "52nd state" with him serving as its governor. Long, a former Republican congressman from Missouri who briefly served as IRS commissioner, made the comment while visiting former colleagues on the House floor.

Long explained to a news outlet that the remark was not intended to be serious. He stated he was bantering with associates regarding Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry, whom President Trump recently appointed as a special envoy to Greenland. Long apologized if his comments caused offense. Senate Majority Leader John Thune downplayed the incident, suggesting Long was "having fun" and that the remark should not be overanalyzed.

Despite the clarification, the comment triggered a diplomatic response. Iceland's Ministry for Foreign Affairs demanded an explanation from the U.S. Embassy in Reykjavík. Additionally, a petition urging the Icelandic government to reject Long's nomination has circulated, and an Icelandic member of parliament characterized the situation as "very serious."

The incident occurs amid heightened tensions regarding the region. President Trump has reportedly expressed a desire to acquire Greenland, a Danish territory, and has previously suggested making Canada the 51st U.S. state. Reports indicate that recent rhetoric concerning Greenland has caused concern among NATO allies.

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• Official demand for explanation Iceland's Ministry for Foreign Affairs responded to the incident by demanding a formal explanation from the U.S. Embassy in Reykjavík. An Icelandic member of parliament further underscored the gravity of the comments by characterizing the situation as "very serious."

• Opposition to the nomination The remarks have triggered organized opposition, with a petition circulating that urges the Icelandic government to reject Long’s nomination. This public pushback suggests that some citizens view the comments as a disqualifying factor for the diplomatic post.

• Concerns regarding regional sovereignty The incident is viewed by critics against a backdrop of heightened tension involving U.S. rhetoric toward the region, including reports of President Trump's desire to acquire Greenland and suggestions regarding Canada. These statements concerning territorial expansion have reportedly caused concern among NATO allies.

How it may affect me

As a U.S. reader:

• Diplomatic relations with NATO allies could be strained after Iceland’s foreign ministry officially demanded an explanation regarding the nominee's comments on statehood.

• The appointment of a new ambassador to Iceland may face delays or rejection as a petition urging the host government to block the nomination circulates.

• International partnerships may be impacted by heightened tensions, as reports indicate U.S. rhetoric regarding the acquisition of Greenland and Canada has caused concern among allies.

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