Anger in Iceland over incoming US ambassador’s ‘52nd state’ joke
The Guardian • • general
Key Points:
- Donald Trump’s nominee for ambassador to Iceland, former Rep. Billy Long, reportedly joked that Iceland should become the 52nd US state, prompting outrage and a petition demanding his rejection.
- Iceland’s foreign ministry sought clarification from the US embassy after the comments, which many Icelanders found offensive given their history and sovereignty.
- Over 3,200 people signed a petition urging Iceland’s foreign minister to reject Long’s nomination and call for a more respectful ambassador.
- Long apologized, stating the remarks were made in jest during a private conversation and were not meant to be taken seriously.
- Icelandic officials criticized the joke as insensitive amid regional tensions over Arctic sovereignty, emphasizing the importance of respecting small nations' independence and security interests.
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