Trump Backing Highlighted in Budapest
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio visited Budapest to convey a message of support from former President Donald Trump to Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán, whose ruling Fidesz party faces a strong challenge from the opposition ahead of April’s elections. Rubio praised the personal relationship Orbán built with Trump, saying it has “made all the difference in the world” in strengthening U.S.–Hungary ties.
Rubio also highlighted Hungary’s recent one-year exemption from U.S. sanctions on Russian oil imports as an example of the benefits of that connection. “It was because of that personal relationship… we want you to continue. After all, we want this economy to prosper, we want this country to do well. It’s in our national interest,” he said. During the visit, the Hungarian and U.S. foreign ministers signed an energy cooperation agreement, describing bilateral relations as entering a “golden age.”
Election Tensions and Ukraine Accusations
Orbán addressed the upcoming elections, accusing neighboring Ukraine of interfering to support the opposition Tisza Party. Polls currently show the opposition ahead, and Orbán claims Kyiv hopes to ease Hungary’s veto on Ukraine’s EU accession. He asserted that Ukraine has been actively funding and backing his opponents, though he offered no public proof.
Despite the allegations, Orbán insisted he would respect election results. Highlighting his decades of experience both in power and in opposition, he reassured Hungarians that “the next government will be created after the election based on the intention of the Hungarian people.”
Trump Invitation and Political Dynamics
Orbán confirmed that Trump has an open invitation to visit Hungary before the elections, though no date has been set. He hinted at uncertainty about the visit, saying, “The less we know anything certain about something, the more possible it might happen.”
Rubio did not meet with Tisza Party officials, but the opposition welcomed his visit, calling the U.S. a key ally and emphasizing that strong Hungarian-American relations remain a priority regardless of the election outcome.
