Trump's pick for Iceland ambassador apologizes for joking about Arctic nation becoming 52nd state

[World](https://www.foxnews.com/world) Trump's pick for Iceland ambassador apologizes for joking about Arctic nation becoming 52nd state 'There was nothing serious about that,' former Rep Billy Long said  By [Landon Mion](//www.foxnews.com/person/m/landon-mion) [Fox News](https://www.foxnews.com/) Published [January 16, 2026 3:12am EST](https://www.foxnews.com/html-sitemap/2026/january/16) * Flipboard [](#)[close](#) [ Video](https://www.foxnews.com/video/6387734680112) #### [President Trump emphasizes the importance of Greenland](https://www.foxnews.com/video/6387734680112) President Donald Trump emphasizes Greenland’s role in national security. NEWYou can now listen to Fox News articles! Former Rep. Billy Long, who was nominated by President [Donald Trump](https://www.foxnews.com/category/person/donald-trump) to be ambassado... --- *Note: This is a summarized excerpt. Click the source link above to read the full story.*