US EditionTrump’s Iceland ambassador nominee apologizes for 52nd state ‘joking’
Billy Long apologized after joking Iceland would be the 52nd US state and he its governor, sparking nearly 5,000 petition signatures against his ambassador nomination, officials said.
- On Jan 15, Billy Long, President Donald Trump's nominee for U.S. ambassador to Iceland, apologised after joking that Iceland would become the 52nd state and said, `If anyone took offense to it, then I apologize,` Long said to Arctic Today.
- Long's comment echoed ongoing U.S. interest in Greenland as White House discussions considered military force or payments to bring Greenland under U.S. control.
- During a Jan 12 meeting in Washington, Long reportedly joked, and Iceland's Ministry for Foreign Affairs contacted the U.S. Embassy in Iceland to verify the report.
- Icelanders launched a petition asking Katrín Gunnarsdóttir, Iceland's Foreign Minister, to reject Long, and as of Friday nearly 5,000 signatures called for rejection.
- Diplomatic tensions are high as European leaders back Greenland's sovereignty and send troops, but it remains unclear whether Long's nomination will be affected.
30 Articles
30 Articles
Iceland Doesn't Find Trump Nominee Amusing
Billy Long said he meant it as a punchline, but not everyone in Iceland is amused. A petition in Iceland has drawn thousands of signatures after reports that Long, President Trump's nominee for US ambassador to the country, joked that Iceland would become the 52nd US state and that he'd...
In the midst of the tense situation between the United States, Greenland and Denmark, the next eclectic event takes place. The designated US ambassador for Iceland jokes about the island in the North Atlantic – as the 52nd state of the United States.
Incoming US envoy's ‘52nd state’ joke evokes anger in Iceland
The incoming US ambassador nominee’s "52nd state" joke has sparked widespread anger in Iceland, amid concerns over the Trump administration's expansionist rhetoric toward Arctic territories.
Billy Long is to represent the United States as ambassador to Iceland. But even before entering service, the Trump-trusted person triggers displeasure. Is the country taking consequences?
Coverage Details
Bias Distribution
- 50% of the sources lean Left
Factuality
To view factuality data please Upgrade to Premium
