Ex-ambassador Weiss: – “Europe must look after its own interests”

“Kron”: Mr. Weiss, you were appointed Austria’s ambassador to the US when Donald Trump was still president and you got to know him personally. What impression did you have at the time?
Martin Weiss: In a personal conversation, Donald Trump was friendly and certainly interested in Austria. In such agreements, he does not stick to the texts prescribed to him by his own Ministry of Foreign Affairs, but simply says what moves him at that moment. We also talked about high-level visits between Austria and the US at the time, but unfortunately Covid got in the way of that.

In 2020, Joe Biden won the White House. What memories do you have of the turbulent elections and the weeks that followed?
These were very turbulent times. After election day, it takes almost three months until the swearing-in. And there were accusations, challenges and hostility at the time – until the storming of the Capitol on January 6. I never thought something like this could happen in the middle of the American capital, in broad daylight. That was a shock. President Biden’s inauguration was unlike any before it: closed streets, police everywhere and only a small number of guests instead of the usual popular celebration. America was relieved that the election was over, but no one felt like celebrating.

How has the US changed since then?
The divisions are deep. It has gotten to the point where in many families people don’t even talk about politics anymore, otherwise they would get into serious trouble. I remember an America where Democrats and Republicans worked together on important issues when it was good for the country. This practically doesn’t exist anymore these days. Or you or me, black or white, there is hardly any room for anything else in between.

They kept a close eye on the election campaign. Would you like to give a tip? Trump or Harris?
The election campaign has been a rollercoaster so far: a weakening Joe Biden, who would likely have lost the election, is replaced at the last minute. Assassination attempts on Donald Trump. A surprising rise of Kamala Harris, including a powerful TV debate against an ill-prepared Trump. And recently, poll numbers for the challenger have risen again. I would say Trump is leading the way. It will depend on who actually goes to the polls – it’s exciting.

What would be the better choice for Europe?
For every American president – ​​whether Harris or Trump – the following applies: America first, America first. Europe would therefore do well to look after its own interests. From defense policy to energy and economic issues and competition with China. America will not pull the chestnuts out of the fire for us in the long run. “Europe first” would be a better strategy – regardless of how the US elections turn out.