Allies of Trump claim that Iceland will become the "52nd state," and Iceland demands an explanation from the U.S

Billy Long, the U.S. ambassador to Iceland nominated by President Trump, joked in Washington that Iceland would become the 52nd state of the United States, and he would be the governor of that state. Iceland is concerned about the growing territorial ambitions of the United States. The Icelandic Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated in a statement: "The Ministry has contacted the U.S. Embassy in Iceland to verify the authenticity of these related remarks."
Billy Long is a former Republican congressman from Missouri, and Trump nominated him to replace Karin Patman as the U.S. ambassador to Iceland. After Long made the remarks, the Icelandic public initiated a petition urging the Foreign Minister to reject his appointment as ambassador. Currently, the petition has garnered 2,000 signatures. (Politico)