Thomas von Grünigen is a former Swiss journalist and U.S. correspondent for Swiss Radio and Television (SRF).
In his role as a correspondent, he provided comprehensive coverage of political and social developments in the United States, which gave him deep insights and a broad understanding of American politics and culture.
He experienced Donald Trump’s first term firsthand. Among other things, he reported live from the scene when radicalized supporters of the then-president stormed the Capitol. During his six and a half years as a correspondent—from 2015 to 2021—von Grünigen lived first in New York, then in Washington. These years have had a lasting impact on his view of American society and politics. Subsequently, he spent five years as the editorial director of foreign news coverage for Swiss television. He conveys his experiences and analyses in a clear and incisive manner as a guest on podiums, in panel discussions, and in interviews.
Thomas von Grünigen is also available to host events, particularly panel discussions.
Thomas von Grünigen Lecture topics
- Trump’s turbulent second term – will the mid-term elections stop him?
A risky war against Iran, chaos over tariffs, attacks on the pillars of US democracy – Donald Trump’s second term is causing a stir worldwide. Now the mid-term elections are due to take place in November. The Democrats hope that a victory will slow Trump and the Republicans down. Thomas von Grünigen examines the Democrats’ chances of victory and what this would mean for the remainder of Donald Trump’s presidency.
- USA – Democracy in danger
Donald Trump is breaking with democratic norms, trying to undermine the system and fuelling division in the country. But the roots of the destabilisation of the USA lie deeper. Thomas von Grünigen uses personal experiences and political backgrounds to describe why US democracy is faltering.
- World out of joint? What is happening to us right now?
Democratic values that were thought to be secure seem to be being called into question at the moment. Europe suddenly fears for freedom and security. What is happening? As journalistic director of SRF TV’s foreign reporting, Thomas von Grünigen shows that in addition to social, economic and media changes, outdated political systems are also contributing to the current instability – an almost “perfect storm” with an uncertain outcome.
Thomas von Grünigen: “Only a well-informed public has the ability to assess the threats to freedom and democracy and draw the right conclusions from them. It is therefore important to me to share my in-depth knowledge and experiences.“
Von Grünigen took his first steps as a journalist in the USA – at the national US broadcaster ABC in 2000, when Al Gore and George W. Bush faced each other in a dramatic election campaign. He also witnessed the election of Barack Obama on location in New York, back then as editor of the SRF magazine programme Rundschau.
Thomas von Grünigen grew up in Bern and studied media and communication studies, journalism, and English language and literature in Fribourg, Bern, and Washington. He has lived in Zurich since 2021. At SRF, he served as editorial director of TV foreign coverage until May 2026 and led the “US Elections 2024” project. Today, he is the communications director for the major project “Zukunft Oper” at the Zurich Opera House and works as a freelance keynote speaker and moderator.