Overview
- Billy Long told Arctic Today he was joking about Iceland becoming the 52nd U.S. state and apologized to anyone offended.
- Iceland’s Ministry for Foreign Affairs confirmed it requested clarification from the U.S. Embassy about the remark reported by POLITICO.
- An online petition urging Foreign Minister Þorgerður Katrín Gunnarsdóttir to withhold agrément for Long has gathered about 2,000 signatures.
- A lawmaker from Iceland’s ruling party called the comment serious and reflective of concerns felt by small nations over sovereignty.
- Long, a former Republican congressman nominated by President Donald Trump to replace Carrin Patman, has not been confirmed by the U.S. Senate.