The big interview

How did you experience the assassination, Ms. von Damm?

Close confidante of Ronald Reagan and former US ambassador: Helene von Damm(Bild: Reinhard Holl)

She was already in the USA when Kennedy was assassinated and, as a close confidante of Ronald Reagan, also experienced the assassination attempt on the then US President. Helene von Damm (86) talks to Conny Bischofberger about the attack on Trump, the drama surrounding Biden and a nation that loves guns above all else.

A statue of jazz legend Louis Armstrong stands in the salon, while two flags line the mirror next to it - that of the United States of America and the red, white and red. Her turbulent life took place in this field of tension. From a business school student from Lower Austria to the White House: Helene von Damm has achieved the "American Dream".

In front of the US flag and a statue of jazz legend Louis Armstrong: the ambassador in her Vienna apartment.(Bild: Reinhard Holl)

Her address in Vienna's first district is a meeting place for illustrious Viennese society, her "Manhattan" an absolute insider tip: even after her time as ambassador, Helene von Damm still loves to receive guests. She has just had her daily "power nap" when she invites us into her roof terrace apartment with a view of the Imperial Crypt in a flowered summer dress in the early afternoon.

"Krone": Ambassador, what was your first thought when Donald Trump was assassinated last Saturday?