Iceland '52nd state' comment prompts demand for answers

Iceland has asked the United States to verify reports that U.S. ambassador nominee Billy Long joked Iceland would be the "52nd state"; Long apologized and his nomination has been submitted to the U.S. Senate.

Billy Long, President Trump's nominee for U.S. ambassador to Iceland, was reported to have joked in the U.S. House that Iceland would be the "52nd state." Iceland's government says it has sought clarification and its foreign ministry contacted the U.S. Embassy to verify the report. Long apologized in an interview, saying the remark was made in jest in response to another joke and was not serious. His nomination was officially submitted to the U.S. Senate on Tuesday. Key facts: - Politico reported that Long was heard joking that Iceland would be the "52nd state" and that he would be governor. - Iceland's foreign ministry contacted the U.S. Embassy to verify the veracity of the alleged comments and has asked for answers. - Long apologized and told Arctic Today the comment was made in a social context and was not serious. - Long's nomination to be ambassador to Iceland was submitted to the U.S. Senate, and a public petition in Iceland calling for rejection gathered signatures. Summary: The reported remark led Iceland to request clarification from U.S. officials and has drawn public attention in Iceland. Undetermined at this time.