Billy Long formally begins work as US ambassador to Iceland

Billy Long has formally taken up his post as the United States ambassador to Iceland after presenting his credentials to President Halla Tómasdóttir at Bessastaðir, the presidential residence, mbl.is reports.

The US Embassy in Iceland said Long had arrived in the country and officially begun his duties. He was accompanied at the ceremony by Foreign Minister Þorgerður Katrín Gunnarsdóttir.

Controversial remarks

Long drew criticism earlier this year after joking with members of the US Congress that Iceland could become the 52nd US state and that he would subsequently become its governor.

The remarks circulated widely and prompted a petition on Iceland’s government website calling on the foreign minister to reject Long as ambassador. Members of Congress also demanded that he explain and apologise for the comments.

“I just hope the people of Iceland will give me another opportunity to make a first impression,” Long said when asked about the remarks in Congress.

He added that he would give 100 percent in his work in Iceland if selected. Long said the comment about Iceland becoming the 52nd state had been inappropriate, but was not intended as a serious statement.

Short tenure as tax commissioner

Long, 70, represented Missouri’s Seventh Congressional District in the US House of Representatives from 2011 to 2023. He was known as a strong Republican advocate and an opponent of public tax agencies.

Before entering politics, Long worked as a successful auctioneer, ran his own company, Billy Long Auctions LLC, and worked as a real estate agent and radio broadcaster in Springfield, where he lived.

In June last year, he was appointed the 51st US tax commissioner, despite having previously called for the abolition of the Internal Revenue Service, or IRS. His appointment was controversial because of his limited expertise in tax matters and his position on the agency’s role.

Long’s time in office was historically brief. He was dismissed in August last year, and the following day President Donald Trump announced that he had nominated Long to become ambassador to Iceland.