Billy Long’s Apology Over Iceland Joke
Former Congressman Billy Long, who was nominated by President Trump to serve as the ambassador to Iceland, has expressed regret after making a lighthearted remark about potentially making the Arctic island the “52nd state,” claiming he would be its governor.
Long, a Republican representing Missouri from 2011 to 2023 and briefly the IRS commissioner last year, clarified that his comments were just a joke aimed at former colleagues. “It was all in good fun. I was with folks I hadn’t seen in years and we were playfully mocking Jeff Landry’s role as the governor of Greenland,” he explained. “If anyone took offense, I sincerely apologize,” he told Arctic Today.
“I really just want to focus on working with the people of Iceland. I’m sorry it was perceived that way. I was among friends and didn’t mean anything serious,” he added.
Bipartisan Concerns Over Greenland
Recently, President Trump appointed Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry as a special envoy to Greenland, as discussions about acquiring the Danish territory have intensified. Trump has stated his intent to secure Greenland “one way or another,” emphasizing that inaction could lead to Russian or Chinese expansion in the area.
Trump remarked, “Whether they like it or not, we’re going to act in Greenland.” He highlighted the importance of addressing security concerns to prevent foreign powers from becoming neighbors.
Some Trump administration officials have even considered military options regarding Greenland, a move that could contravene NATO’s Article 5, which asserts that an attack on one member is an attack on all, potentially threatening the alliance that has endured for over 75 years.
Denmark’s Response
Denmark has warned that any attempt by the U.S. to claim Greenland would undermine NATO. European nations are reportedly preparing for such a possibility, with some increasing troop levels in the region, indicating a desire to affirm Greenland’s independence from U.S. control. Iceland has also voiced concerns against Trump’s aggressive stance on Greenland.
On Capitol Hill, there seems to be a divide; many Democrats and some Republicans oppose the idea of forcibly acquiring Greenland. However, some Republicans, including Rep. Randy Fine of Florida, are promoting legislation to consider Greenland as the 51st state, albeit suggesting that acquisition should be voluntary.
Interestingly, President Trump has even thrown around the idea of making Canada the 51st state.
Long’s offhand comments sparked a degree of diplomatic tension, prompting the Icelandic Foreign Ministry to reach out to the U.S. Embassy in Reykjavik for clarification.
“This is a serious situation for a small country like Iceland,” noted Icelandic parliament member Sigmar Guðmundsson. “The security issues raised by the U.S. with regard to Greenland also apply to us.” In response, a petition has emerged among Icelanders asking for Long to be denied the ambassadorship if officially confirmed, gathering about 2,000 signatures.
Senate Majority Leader John Thune seemed to downplay the incident, suggesting that Long was merely “having fun” and that the comments shouldn’t be taken too seriously.
