Thousands of people are upset about a comment made by Billy Long, Donald Trump’s nominee for ambassador to Iceland. He joked that Iceland should become the 52nd U.S. state, which didn’t sit well with many Icelanders.
On the same day, officials from Greenland and Denmark were in the U.S. to address fears about Trump’s intentions regarding Greenland. Politico reported that Long made the joke while mingling with colleagues.
The response from Iceland was immediate. The foreign ministry reached out to the U.S. embassy to clarify Long’s comments. They wanted to ensure there was no misunderstanding.
Criticism quickly followed. A petition urging Iceland’s foreign minister to reject Long’s nomination gained over 3,200 signatures within hours. It emphasized that joking about Iceland’s status is offensive, especially given the country’s history of fighting for its freedom alongside the U.S.
In an interview with Arctic Today, Long apologized. He explained that he and others were joking about another official, but he understood why it upset people. He stated, “I look forward to working with the people of Iceland,” reinforcing his intent to respect the nation.
Reactions like these show how sensitive international relations can be, especially for smaller nations like Iceland. Sigmar Guðmundsson, an Icelandic MP, criticized Long’s comments, calling them “not a particularly funny joke.” He highlighted that the security concerns related to Greenland also apply to Iceland, given their geographic proximity.
This incident not only stirred emotions but also sparked a broader conversation about how the U.S. engages with smaller countries. Historically, Iceland has worked closely with the U.S. and NATO, but Long’s remarks have raised questions about respect and sovereignty.
Recent polls indicate that many Icelanders value their independence and are protective of their identity. This response reflects a growing sentiment among smaller nations around the world, emphasizing their importance in international discourse.
As this situation unfolds, it will be interesting to see how it influences U.S.-Iceland relations and if there will be any shifts based on the reactions from the Icelandic people. For more context on U.S. ambassadors in Europe, you can check out this Guardian article.
