Secretary of State Marco Rubio began a three-nation tour of NATO allies Tuesday with a visit to Iceland, where concerns about the Trump administration’s Arctic ambitions remain despite a deal last month that eased the president’s push involving neighboring Greenland.
Rubio described Iceland as “a good friend” and gave no indication of tensions with the NATO member, which does not maintain its own army.
Before the Greenland agreement was signed, Iceland occasionally appeared in Trump’s comments and social media complaints accusing NATO allies of failing to do enough to support the United States.
Rubio, who is also scheduled to visit Greece and Portugal before returning to Washington Thursday, has frequently been tasked with reassuring US partners after Trump made undiplomatic remarks. Those comments have included repeatedly calling Canada the 51st state and threatening to take control of Greenland, a self-governing territory belonging to NATO ally Denmark.
Speaking to reporters Monday before departing Washington, Rubio did not suggest that his trip was intended to clarify or repair the administration’s broader approach to the Arctic, NATO or Europe.
He did, however, describe all three countries on his itinerary as “strong allies” whose cooperation is important to protecting US national interests.
Rubio wrote on social media that his Iceland visit would focus on advancing “our shared priorities: a secure Arctic, stronger commercial and energy ties, and closer defense cooperation.”
Trump nonetheless unsettled Icelanders last month by posting a map in which the US flag’s colors covered North America and extended across Greenland and Iceland.
Iceland’s Foreign Secretary Thorgerdur Katrín Gunnarsdóttir, who is due to meet Rubio Tuesday, responded by summoning US Ambassador Billy Long. She said she made clear that Trump’s post was unacceptable.
Iceland lies only 180 miles from Greenland and was already uneasy after Trump mistakenly referred to the country four times while discussing Greenland.
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Long, a former Missouri congressman, IRS commissioner and professional auctioneer known for his colorful public profile, has also attracted attention in Iceland.
Before he began his posting in August, thousands of Icelanders signed a petition urging the prime minister to reject his nomination. The petition followed a joke he made earlier in the year about Iceland becoming the 52nd US state and Long becoming its governor. He has since apologized.
Long is not the first Trump ambassador to Iceland to cause concern among officials there. During Trump’s first term, Ambassador Jeffrey Ross Gunter alarmed residents of relatively crime-free Reykjavik by seeking to hire armed bodyguards, prompting complaints.
Rubio could face another ambassador-related controversy when he reaches Athens.
Rep. Gregory Meeks, a New York Democrat and ranking member of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, said last week that he would investigate allegations of misconduct and impropriety involving US Ambassador to Greece Kimberly Guilfoyle.
In a letter to Rubio, Meeks requested answers over allegations reported by The Wall Street Journal last month and said he would seek Guilfoyle’s removal if the conduct described in the report proved accurate.
The Journal reported that Guilfoyle told guests at a reception the United States could undermine the Greek government if it chose to, promoted the commercial interests of a specific Greek construction and energy company, and permitted the company’s lobbyist to attend private diplomatic meetings.
Several Greek opposition parties have urged an inquiry into the allegations, although it remains unclear whether one will be launched.
Guilfoyle, a former Fox News host and California prosecutor who was once engaged to Donald Trump Jr., has denied wrongdoing. Rubio has previously defended her.
After The Journal published its report, Rubio said Guilfoyle “has been an incredible advocate for the president’s agenda in Greece and across Europe.” He added that he and Trump highly value her “pivotal work and leadership,” particularly on energy matters.
The Trump administration sees Greece as key to advancing the promotion and export of US-produced liquefied natural gas to southeastern and central Europe.
