New U.S. Ambassador Art Fisher Arrives in Vienna
The new Ambassador of the United States of America to Austria, Arthur “Art” Fisher, has arrived in Vienna and officially taken up his post. Upon his arrival at Vienna Airport, the real estate entrepreneur from North Carolina emphasized the importance of the long-standing partnership between the two countries.
Ambassador Arthur Graham Fisher was appointed Ambassador of the United States of America to the Republic of Austria in October 2025. / Picture: © American and Austrian crossed flags by Vindobona
“Serving my nation in such an important place as Austria is the greatest honor of my life,” said Fisher, who is considered a campaign donor to U.S. President Donald Trump. In his short speech, he emphasized the shared values that contribute to the success of both nations, particularly in the areas of trade, diplomacy, and security. He announced his intention to work closely with Federal President Alexander Van der Bellen, Federal Chancellor Christian Stocker (ÖVP), and Foreign Minister Beate Meinl-Reisinger (NEOS) to further expand relations.
Commemorating veterans and the liberation of Austria
His first day symbolically fell on American Veterans' Day, when the U.S. honors its war veterans. Fisher took the opportunity to emphasize their “crucial role” in spreading freedom, which he said “much of the world enjoys today, including the liberation of Austria 80 years ago.”
Close confirmation and political anchoring
Fisher's appointment, which was announced on Truth Social five weeks before President Trump took office, was approved by the US Senate by a narrow majority of 51 to 47 votes in October 2025. This small margin is seen as a sign of increasing political polarization in the US, as ambassadorial confirmations have traditionally enjoyed bipartisan majorities. Compared to his predecessors, however, his arrival in Vienna was relatively swift, only about ten months after Trump took office.
Herzlich willkommen in Österreich! This morning, Ambassador-designate Art Fisher arrived in Vienna.
— U.S. Embassy Vienna (@usembvienna) November 11, 2025
"It’s a great honor to arrive in Vienna to begin service in representing President Trump and the American People as United States Ambassador to the Republic of Austria.… pic.twitter.com/zFwsnSJ88M
The appointment of donors to ambassadorial posts is a common practice in the US. President Trump praised Fisher at the time as a “staunch supporter of the America First policy.”
Respect for neutrality and diverse backgrounds
Despite his political connections, Fisher emphasized the U.S.'s commitment to Austrian security policy in the Senate. “We will always respect neutrality,” he assured during his hearing in June. The U.S. wanted to remain a “reliable and trustworthy partner” and highlighted the Austrian government's activities to combat anti-Semitism in a positive light.
Arthur Graham Fisher, who describes himself as a passionate traveler and says he has visited “all seven continents and about 100 countries,” has a diverse background. He is the successful head of Fisher Realty and has been instrumental in the development of several residential communities in North Carolina.
He earned a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration and a Bachelor of Arts in Corporate Communications from the College of Charleston. Despite Trump's frequent criticism of elite universities, he was an active delegate at Harvard University's Model United Nations. He has served on numerous boards, including the board of directors of Transylvania Vocational Services (support for people with disabilities), the Boys and Girls Club of North Carolina, and the North Carolina Travel and Tourism Board.
He has family ties to Europe through his grandfather, who served as a U.S. doctor in Europe during World War II. In recognition of his services, Fisher was also admitted to the Dynastic Order of the Royal House of Bourbon and knighted. Ambassador Fisher announced his intention to travel through all federal states to get to know the Austrians and share his appreciation for the US.