TLDRThousands of Icelanders have signed a petition to reject the nomination of Billy Long as the US ambassador, following his reported joke suggesting Iceland should become the 52nd US state. The joke, made in the context of other US officials joking about Greenland, has sparked anger and concern in Iceland, prompting the foreign ministry to seek clarification from the US embassy. Long has since apologized, stating the comments were made in jest and should not be taken seriously.

Source: The Guardian January 16, 2026 04:08 UTC