Iceland demands answers from US after Trump ally cracks 52nd state joke

Iceland demands answers from US after Trump ally cracks 52nd state joke

politico.eu nation

Key Points:

  • Former Republican congressman Billy Long, nominated by Donald Trump as U.S. envoy to Iceland, faced backlash after making comments deemed insulting to Iceland and its people.
  • Icelanders started a petition with 2,000 signatures urging Foreign Minister Katrín Gunnarsdóttir to reject Long’s appointment and request a more respectful nominee.
  • Long’s remarks came amid heightened tensions over Greenland, where Trump has threatened to seize the territory for U.S. national security, sparking concerns among European leaders and Greenlanders.
  • European nations and Denmark are working to prevent a conflict that could jeopardize the transatlantic NATO alliance, as Greenlanders have expressed opposition to becoming part of the U.S.
  • Long did not respond to requests for