A Public Show of Support in Budapest
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio brought a clear message from Donald Trump to Budapest: Washington wants Viktor Orbán to succeed. Speaking alongside the Hungarian prime minister after the Munich Security Conference, Rubio highlighted the personal bond between Orbán and Trump, saying that connection has been central to strengthening ties between the two countries.
Rubio stressed that Trump is “deeply committed” to Orbán’s success, framing it as aligned with U.S. national interests. He pointed to Hungary’s recent one-year exemption from U.S. sanctions on importers of Russian oil as an example of how that relationship has delivered tangible results. According to Rubio, the exemption reflected a desire to see Hungary’s economy remain stable and prosperous.
During the visit, Hungarian and American officials signed an energy cooperation agreement, describing the current state of relations as a “golden age.” Orbán has been one of Trump’s most outspoken European supporters, openly backing his re-election bid.
Election Pressure and Accusations
The visit comes as Orbán faces a competitive election in April. Polls suggest that the opposition Tisza Party is running ahead of Orbán’s long-governing Fidesz party, which has held a supermajority since 2010.
Orbán used the press conference to accuse neighboring Ukraine of interfering in Hungary’s campaign. He claimed Kyiv is supporting the opposition in hopes of easing Hungary’s veto on opening European Union accession talks with Ukraine. Hungary has so far blocked the start of those negotiations.
The prime minister dismissed concerns that he might resist a transfer of power if defeated. Noting his years spent both in government and in opposition, Orbán insisted Hungary’s next government will reflect the will of voters.
Hints of a Possible Trump Visit
Orbán reiterated that Trump has an open invitation to visit Hungary before the election, though no official confirmation has been made. He suggested that uncertainty only adds to the possibility of such a trip.
Rubio’s visit also included a stop in Slovakia, where Prime Minister Robert Fico, another Trump ally, leads the government. In Budapest, however, Rubio did not meet with representatives of the Tisza Party. The opposition nonetheless welcomed the visit, emphasizing that strong U.S.–Hungarian relations remain important regardless of who wins in April.
