“Joe Biden in Luxembourg? I will do everything for”
New United States Ambassador to Luxembourg who arrived two weeks ago, Tom Barrett is a figure in American politics. Mayor of Milwaukee for 17 years, elected for 10 years to the House of Representatives, the 68-year-old Democrat is one of President Joe Biden’s trusted men. A seasoned politician, follower of the right word, joking to recall that his Milwaukee Bucks are “reigning NBA champions”.
He also has an extraordinary career, like this heroic anecdote. In 2009, he rescued a woman attacked by a man armed with an iron bar. Wounded in the altercation, he has suffered after-effects but received congratulations from then-President Barack Obama. After a long career in public service, he is ready to speak for President Biden in Luxembourg. Maintenance.
The essential: What are your first impressions of Luxembourg?
Tom Barrett, United States Ambassador: I am very happy to be here and to have met such nice people. It’s impressive to see so many people speaking different languages. Well, it would have been even better with more sun, but there is more than in Milwaukee. It’s my first time in Luxembourg, and I already feel at home!
Exactly, Luxembourg culture is very present in Wisconsin…
Yes. There are Belgian and Luxembourgish communities with an immigrant background. When I was appointed to this post, many thought I was from Luxembourg. I think I met all the descendants of Luxembourgers in Wisconsin (laughs).
Why an ambassador position?
In college, I had the opportunity to spend time at the UN in New York. Since that time, I have always been interested in the idea of representing the United States abroad, including when I received ambassadors when I was mayor of Milwaukee. And then the European influences are numerous in Wisconsin. A family history also links me to the region. Before meeting my father, my mother was married to another man. He was killed during the Battle of the Bulge. When President Biden offered me this position, I jumped at the chance… and changed all the plans of my wife who had just retired (laughs).
You met the Grand Duke Henri…
He is a very impressive man, very warm and who immediately puts you at ease. He is royal while keeping his feet on the ground. The conversation was excellent. We talked about Luxembourg, the United States, what is happening in the world. Really, I was very honored to meet him.
© House of the Grand Duke
What is the link between Luxembourg and the United States?
A very strong link, which is economic, historical and cultural. Both of our countries believe in democracy. I understand there were tensions with the previous administration, but President Biden believes America is stronger when it works with its allies. I am lucky to arrive in a country with which relations are good. I want them to be even better. We can work together on human rights, climate or tax transparency. This also involves maximizing economic opportunities.
Google plans to install a “data center” in Bissen. A divisive project…
I want it to succeed. Our Embassy is doing everything it can to facilitate these “win-win” projects. If other companies want to set up? It’s up to them to decide, but I know that Boeing would keep offering more planes in Luxembourg. Space exploration is also a sector in which Luxembourg has invested.
Your role is also to support the Americans on the spot…
I haven’t met any yet, but I should soon! Maybe during a sporting event like the Superbowl, but it was in the middle of the night… According to our statistics, 3,000 American citizens live in the Grand Duchy, and they may be even more numerous. Our mission is to protect them, inform them and help them when they have a problem to solve.
You arrive in Europe in the midst of renewed tensions in Ukraine…
The president was clear. Americans in Ukraine must leave. European history has shown that threats of invasion must be taken seriously. The situation is potentially dangerous.
Do you understand the criticisms of the American position?
There will always be criticism. But you have to understand why America acts in such a way. Ukraine must be able to determine its own destiny and Russia must respect it. We do not make any decision on Ukraine without Ukraine. The European Union will also have its say. Much work has been done diplomatically, but we must prepare for an invasion. If this were to happen, Russia must understand that it will not have a clear path. (Editor’s note: The interview was conducted before Vladimir Putin’s announcement to recognize the independence of the pro-Russian separatist provinces).
The other challenge is the pandemic. Will the Americans return to Luxembourg?
Of course, closing the borders was heartbreaking. People want to travel and they have saved money. I think tourist travel will be more than ever. Already count all the friends who will come to see me (laughs)!
How do you view Joe Biden’s politics?
I find that he is doing a great job of managing the Covid crisis and all the problems created by his predecessor as well as possible. In the long run, people will understand his mature and effective approach. A state visit to Luxembourg? I will do everything for! I want Americans to discover what a great place the Grand Duchy is.
(Collected by Thomas Holzer)