New US Ambassador to Austria Lands in Vienna

US Ambassador Art Fisher intends to strengthen the long-standing partnership and friendship between Austria and the USA, which he views as a "shared mission." In his brief statement, Fisher also reaffirmed the global commitment of the USA. On the occasion of today's "Veterans' Day," when the United States honors its war veterans, he emphasized their "crucial role" in spreading freedom, "which a large part of the world enjoys today, including the liberation of Austria 80 years ago."

US Ambassador Fisher: "We share so much that will make us successful together"

The relations between the USA and Austria are based on the "shared mission to improve the lives of the citizens of both nations," said the campaign donor of US President Donald Trump further. It is about working together "to achieve mutually beneficial goals." He specifically mentioned the areas of trade, diplomacy, and security. Together with Federal President Alexander Van der Bellen, Chancellor Christian Stocker (ÖVP), and Foreign Minister Beate Meinl-Reisinger (NEOS), he wants to work in the coming weeks, months, and years to "expand one of the strongest partnerships that two countries can share."

Fisher also announced his intention to travel through Austria and visit all federal states. He wants to learn from the Austrians and show them what he appreciates most about the USA. "We share so much that will make us successful together," he emphasized. In his work, he wants to build on a partnership and friendship that goes back almost 190 years, "which has created security and prosperity for millions of people."

Narrow Majority in Confirmation of US Ambassador Fisher in the Senate

Fisher is not starting his office with a great deal of trust. In the vote in the US Senate in October, he was confirmed by only 51 to 47 votes, which is seen as a sign of increasing political polarization in the USA. Previously, ambassadors were usually confirmed by senators with cross-party majorities. However, Fisher's appointment proceeded relatively quickly. He arrived in Vienna just under ten months after US President Donald Trump took office. For his immediate predecessor, Victoria Reggie Kennedy, twelve months had passed since the change of power in the White House, and for her predecessor Trevor Traina, even 16 months.

Trump Had Already Nominated US Ambassador Fisher Before Taking Office

US President Donald Trump had already named the head of the real estate company Fisher Realty as ambassador to Austria five weeks before taking office. In a post on Truth Social, Trump wrote at the time that the real estate agent ran three brokerage offices "in the beautiful mountains of North Carolina." "Art is a steadfast supporter of the America First policy and will make us proud in Austria," Trump said. North Carolina was one of the seven decisive swing states in last year's presidential election. US presidents traditionally reward deserving campaign donors with ambassadorial posts.

Fisher studied in North Carolina but also had contact with the elite Harvard University, which is fiercely opposed by Trump. He was a delegate at Harvard's "Model United Nations," an event where UN sessions are simulated. As further noted in Fisher's resume on his company's website, Fisher is involved in several associations and also in the tourism board of North Carolina. He also calls himself a passionate traveler and has visited "all seven continents and about 100 countries," many of them with his twin sister Amy and family. Fisher was knighted as a member of the Dynastic Order of the Royal House of Bourbon, which also included former British Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher and former South African Anglican Bishop Desmond Tutu.

Grandfather of US Ambassador Fisher Was a US Doctor in Europe During World War II

Little is known about Fisher's connection to Europe or Austria. At the Senate hearing, Republican Bill Hagerty stated that Fisher's grandfather served as a US doctor in Europe during World War II. Fisher affirmed at the US Senate hearing the United States' respect for Austria's security policy orientation. "We will always respect neutrality," he said in June in the powerful US parliamentary chamber. The US also wants to remain "a reliable and trustworthy partner" for Austria. The then-designated ambassador also praised the Austrian government's activities in combating anti-Semitism, as this is also an important priority for the US government. As an ambassador, he wants to represent the US as a nation and international brand "that stands for excellence, fairness, prosperity, and the hope for a better future."

(APA/Red)

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