The big interview
Is America still our friend, Mr. Ambassador?
He is Trump's man in Austria: in his first interview, the new US ambassador "Art" Fisher talks about tensions in transatlantic relations, his relationship with the American president, the death of his mother at Thanksgiving and his partner who came to Vienna with him.
The American ambassador's residence in Vienna-Hietzing is a high-security area. We are accredited, checked and hand over our passports. Then we climb the steep steps up to the Bauhaus villa, which is decorated for Christmas.
Arthur Fisher, who everyone calls "Art", is already waiting and, after a warm welcome, leads us straight to the five-metre-high Christmas tree hung with lots of gold and glitter. "I love Christmas," he explains and switches on an additional ceiling light to better illuminate the tree. "Coming home for Christmas" plays softly from the loudspeaker, there are little white and red poinsettias on the table and ledges, and it smells of cinnamon and mandarins. "This is my first interview," he explains as we later take a seat on two armchairs in the next room. He says it without a trace of nervousness, almost a little proudly.
"Krone": First of all, my heartfelt condolences on the death of your mother.
Arthur Fisher: Oh, thank you so much.
When did you last see her?
At Thanksgiving. That was my mother's favorite holiday. She lasted until Thanksgiving. I'm so thankful that I was able to be with her when she passed away. My twin sister Amy was with her too. I will be flying back to the USA for the funeral before Christmas.
Was your mother proud that you were going to be an ambassador in Vienna?
She was. My mother is probably the world's biggest Kennedy fan. She was most proud that I would be living in a house where President Kennedy was a guest. And also that I would succeed Ambassador Victoria Kennedy, for whom she had great respect.
How surprised were you yourself by your nomination?
A dear friend and mentor of mine, Mary Dawkins, is a former US ambassador. One night at dinner she said to me, "Art, if you're ever asked to serve your country, the answer has to be yes." So when President Trump called last year - I think it was December 17 - I was surprised, but at the same time I felt very honored. And I immediately said yes. - Laughs.
You are a successful real estate agent. What qualifies you for diplomacy?
Excellent question! That's exactly what a US senator asked me in the run-up to my congressional hearing. I thought about it and my answer was: I've represented some of the smartest people in America for 28 years as a real estate broker. There are often two parties who see things differently. As a real estate agent, I bring them together and make sure they come to a mutually beneficial agreement. And that's basically diplomacy.
Do you still have to learn the language of diplomacy or have you practiced it?
I learn it every day. Diplomacy requires an open mind and respect, even if we disagree. Sometimes the best things in world history have worked out just like that - through compromise.
Why did President Trump choose you in particular?
I think he chose me because I have always supported him. I supported him in the 2020 campaign, I supported him in 2024; unconditionally. I've always been proud to be part of his team. But even if I had remained a real estate agent: I never had any expectations.
What is your relationship with the President of the United States?
I'm honored to call him a friend. I am also happy to say that I have deep respect for him, both as a person and as a leader. He is the hardest worker I know. Sometimes I wish he would rest a little. But I know he's always working because he has such a deep love for America, he cares deeply about the future of our country and the world. He cares deeply about peace. He's focused on that, and I think the world appreciates that.
You have now mentioned respect several times. President Trump called a journalist "piggy ". That's the opposite of respectful.
I wasn't there for that conversation. President Trump communicates very directly. He is very open. That's one of the reasons why so many people in America appreciate him. He is not a politician. And he doesn't speak in platitudes. I think the American people find that refreshing for the most part.
Wasn't that unacceptable?
I wasn't there for that interview.
At the end of last week, the new National Security Strategy was unveiled in the United States. Transatlantic relations no longer seem to exist in the same way as before. Is America still our friend?
Oh, absolutely! I would disagree with that statement. I think the transatlantic partnership is the strongest partnership in the world. It is also the largest trading partnership in the world, it is an economic pillar of the entire global community. I can also tell you from my own personal experience: the way I was welcomed in Austria - there was a gala dinner with guests from politics and business - showed me that there is a great desire for close contact with the United States, and the United States also wants to strengthen contact with Austria. The document you mentioned recognizes that there are things we need to talk about. I think the hallmark of a good relationship is that both parties have an open line of communication, even when the topic is uncomfortable.
President Trump called the European Union "weak". In an interview with POLITICO, he was very harshly critical of Europe, especially its migration policy. Are you aware that this has a negative impact on the perception of America in Austria and Europe?
I hear that, but it doesn't correspond to what I experience here. In personal conversation, you find a love for America, and you certainly find the same in America: a love for Austria. People are looking for ways to work together, to be strong together. On a political and economic level. That's the future we want to focus on.
So you wouldn't agree with Trump that Europe is weak?
Europe is our strongest ally.
The question of an "Öxit", which according to the online medium "Defense One", which specializes in security policy, Trump is said to have posed in a longer ("complete") version of the security strategy - according to which countries such as Hungary, Italy and Poland should also be "detached from the EU" - was posed by the "Krone" one day after this interview. The US embassy (not the ambassador himself) subsequently answered it in writing as follows:
"We refer you to the White House statement on this article, which was released the following day. Spokeswoman Anna Kelly told Defense One: "There is no alternative, private or secret version. President Trump is transparent and has signed a single National Security Strategy that clearly directs the U.S. government to implement his stated principles and priorities."
What is the US position on Austria's perpetual military neutrality, and also on our support for Ukraine?
America respects Austria's neutrality very much. And what's more, I think America respects Austria's right to make the decisions that Austria thinks are best for the Austrian people.
President Trump wants to win the Nobel Peace Prize with his peace plan. Wouldn't this plan mean capitulation for Ukraine?What President Trump wants is peace all over the world. Whether it is what he has just successfully negotiated in Israel or what he is now fully focused on, namely ending the Russia-Ukraine war. He has said very clearly that the war will only end if both parties agree to the outcome. Together with Foreign Minister Rubio and Special Envoy Witkoff, he is in constant communication, not only with both parties, but also with our friends in Europe. Most of this is happening behind the scenes, as is often necessary. And yes: he is determined to end this war.
Should peace negotiations for Ukraine take place in Vienna? If so, we could see a kind of revival of the 1961 negotiations between Kennedy and Khrushchev.
In America, we certainly celebrate and appreciate the role that Vienna has played in the history of peace. It is humbling to sit here today and know that President Kennedy and Russian Premier Khrushchev were sitting in the office behind us. But I think at the moment we are concentrating most on achieving this peace and less on where it will be achieved.
What can you personally contribute to the Austria-US relationship?
The basis of success is always interpersonal relationships - especially in a world of electronic communication. Being prepared to sit down with people and talk to them face to face. Even if we have to talk about things where there are differences of opinion. The opportunities for trade links between our two countries are immense. Before I came to Austria, I attended a Red Bull groundbreaking ceremony near Charlotte, North Carolina. Red Bull laid the foundation stone for a 1.7 billion dollar facility there, a distribution center in North Carolina. A real showcase project with 800 new jobs. When you look at the impact of shared economic success, there are many opportunities to improve the lives of Austrians and Americans. As ambassador, I want to focus on that.
President Trump once described Austria as a country where people live in the forest ...
When I look out of the window here in the residence, I actually see forest. - Laughs. I think President Trump was actually referring to what a wonderful forestry program Austria has. And, of course, beautiful forests like we have in North Carolina. America and other countries around the world can certainly learn a lot from Austria's forest management.
What was your image of Austria before you became ambassador?
I have traveled a lot through Europe and the world, now to over a hundred countries. But I've only been to Austria once. Of course I know the history of Austria and its culture. You often hear Austrians say that we are a small country, but when you look at what Austria contributes on the world stage, even with all the institutions that Vienna and Austria host, it's really impressive.
On your company's homepage, you are described as a "fearless traveler". When did that start?
When I was ten. That's when my parents took Amy and me to Europe for the first time - we went to England, France, Switzerland, Germany and Belgium. The cost: 399 dollars per person for ten days. Our parents saved every penny to be able to offer us this. I still remember the evening of our tenth birthday. We were in London, and for the first time in my life I thought: "Wow, I love traveling!" Looking back, I think it's one of the greatest investments and education for parents to let their children experience the world, other cultures, other ways of life. It opens the mind and encourages respect for all people and their way of life. The realization that we can live in very different ways and still be happy.
Speaking of being happy: Who did you bring with you to Austria? Family, cats, dog?
I brought my partner Nick with me. We don't have a dog, although I would love it if we got one in Austria. I think we would really enjoy it. When the time comes, I'll let you know. - Laughs.
Will Nick accompany you to social events?
Oh yes. We've already been to two events together.
Will you also be attending the Vienna Opera Ball and is there a slight possibility that President Trump could accompany you?
Oh, good question. I would love to attend if my schedule permits, because I've heard so much about this ball and have seen so many impressive pictures. Of course, I don't know President Trump's schedule, but I will be happy to ask him if he would like to accompany me while I am here.
You're also a member of a knightly order, how did that come about?
That was another one of those surprises where I had to say "yes". - Laughs. - Four or five years ago, I was nominated by John Salamone to be part of an organization called the Royal Order of Francis I, which is the original royal family of Italy. John Salamone is the manager of Andrea Bocelli, an amazing person and wonderful friend. We hope that he will visit us in Vienna next August.
FROM BROKER TO DIPLOMAT
Born in North Carolina in 1975, one twin sister. He became "Mr. Future Business Leader of North Carolina" at the age of 18. Fisher studied business administration and corporate communications. Most recently, the real estate agent was head of the family business "Fisher Realty", which was founded in 1977 and is now run by his twin sister. He supported Trump in both election campaigns and was nominated as the 25th US ambassador to the Second Republic a year ago. Fisher has traveled to all seven continents and more than 100 countries. He lives in Vienna with engineer and wellness coach Nick Topel.
Will you be going to the Heurigen then?
To be honest, I haven't heard anything about that yet. But we will definitely eat Wiener Schnitzel. Wiener schnitzel is probably my favorite food ever, and it was even before I was asked to serve here.
Veal, pork or chicken?
I love them all!
Are you actually learning German?
Yes, I'm going to find a teacher. I don't know if I'll ever speak it fluently, but I'd like to at least be able to converse a bit beyond "thank you".
Not so long ago, the Pope named "Sound of Music" as his favorite film. What about you?
There's a nice story about that. When I was preparing to move to Vienna two months ago, I was rummaging through some old documents. I found a theater program from the fifth grade, I had acted in the play myself. We fifth graders were asked to make a list of our favorite food, our favorite travel destination, our favorite animal and our favorite movie or musical. And I wrote Wiener Schnitzel for my favorite food and "The Sound of Music" for the last item. I never thought that 45 years later I would be working as the US ambassador in Vienna.
What is the most formative memory of your childhood?
My mother was a high school English teacher and always stood up for what was right. She only had to look at Amy and me and we knew what was right and what was wrong. My father also gave me this compass. When he died almost ten years ago, 850 people came to his funeral service - we live in a town of seven thousand people. That was largely due to the way he treated people. We should never lack that respect.
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