Trump Connection Highlighted
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio traveled to Budapest to deliver a message of backing from former President Donald Trump to Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán, whose ruling Fidesz party is trailing the opposition in polls ahead of April elections.
Speaking at a joint press conference, Rubio praised the personal relationship between Trump and Orbán, saying it had helped strengthen U.S.–Hungarian ties. He cited Hungary’s recent one-year exemption from U.S. sanctions on Russian oil imports as a tangible benefit of that relationship. Rubio described Hungary’s success as aligned with American interests, emphasizing that Washington “wants you to continue” for the sake of both nations’ prosperity.
The visit also included an energy cooperation agreement between the two countries and was described by officials as ushering in a “golden age” of bilateral relations. Orbán remains the only European leader to openly endorse Trump’s re-election campaign.
Election Tensions and Ukraine Allegations
Orbán addressed concerns about the upcoming vote, alleging that Ukraine is interfering to support the opposition Tisza Party, which currently leads in polls. Hungary has used its veto power to block EU negotiations with Ukraine, a point Orbán said was linked to Kyiv’s support for his rivals.
Despite these claims, Orbán firmly rejected any notion that he would refuse to step down if defeated. Citing his decades in politics—20 years as prime minister and 16 as opposition leader—he insisted that the next government will reflect the will of the Hungarian people.
Trump Visit Still Uncertain
Orbán confirmed that Trump has an open invitation to visit Hungary before the elections, though no date has been set. Rubio did not meet with Tisza Party representatives during the trip, but the opposition welcomed his visit, acknowledging the importance of strong U.S.–Hungarian relations regardless of the electoral outcome.
