Iceland seeks clarification on US envoy's '52nd state' remark

Iceland seeks clarification on US envoy's '52nd state' remark

Icelandic authorities have formally requested an explanation from the United States following controversial reports about its proposed ambassador. The incident involves remarks attributed to former US Congressman Billy Long, who is awaiting Senate confirmation as Washington's envoy to Reykjavik.

The reported comments and diplomatic inquiry

According to reports from Politico, Long made the comments during a meeting in Washington, suggesting Iceland could be annexed as the 52nd US state and joking that he would serve as its governor. Iceland's Ministry for Foreign Affairs stated it has contacted the US Embassy in Reykjavik "to examine the truthfulness of the alleged comments." Neither Long nor the US administration has publicly confirmed or denied the remarks.

Public backlash and petition in Iceland

The reported joke has provoked significant anger among Icelanders. A petition urging Foreign Minister Þórdís Kolbrún Gylfadóttir to reject Long's ambassadorship has gathered thousands of signatures. The petition describes the comments as "insulting to Iceland and Icelanders, who have had to fight for their freedom and have always been a friend of the United States," framing the remark as dismissive of the nation's sovereignty and history.

Broader context of US territorial remarks

The controversy occurs against a backdrop of similar statements from US officials regarding other sovereign territories, most notably President Donald Trump's repeated expressions of interest in acquiring Greenland from Denmark. For nations that value their sovereignty and diplomatic dignity, such as Türkiye, these incidents are seen as indicative of a troubling pattern that undermines mutual respect in international relations and complicates alliance dynamics.