Rubio Brings Message of Support to Budapest
During a visit to Budapest, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio delivered a clear endorsement from Donald Trump to Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán, whose government faces a tight election in April.
Standing alongside Orbán after the Munich Security Conference, Rubio praised the personal bond between the Hungarian leader and Trump, saying that relationship had strengthened ties between the two countries. He added that Trump is “deeply committed” to Orbán’s success, framing Hungary’s stability and economic growth as aligned with U.S. national interests.
Rubio pointed to Hungary’s one-year exemption from U.S. sanctions on Russian oil importers last November as an example of how that personal connection paid off. According to him, Washington wants Hungary’s economy to thrive and sees Orbán’s continued leadership as part of that equation.
Election Tensions and Accusations Against Ukraine
Orbán, who has led Hungary since 2010, is facing a strong challenge from the opposition Tisza Party, which polls suggest is currently ahead of his ruling Fidesz party.
At the press conference, Orbán accused neighboring Ukraine of attempting to influence Hungary’s election campaign, alleging that Kyiv is backing the opposition in hopes of advancing its bid to join the European Union. Hungary has used its veto power to block the opening of EU accession negotiations with Ukraine. Orbán claimed his government has detailed knowledge of how the opposition is financed, though he did not provide evidence publicly.
Despite the heated rhetoric, Orbán dismissed speculation that he would cling to power if defeated. He reminded reporters that he previously spent 16 years as opposition leader and insisted that Hungary’s next government would reflect the will of voters.
Energy Deals and a Possible Trump Visit
Rubio’s stop in Hungary followed a visit to Slovakia, another Central European country led by a government critical of the European Union. In Budapest, the U.S. and Hungarian foreign ministers signed a new agreement on energy cooperation, describing the current state of relations as a “golden age.”
Orbán also reiterated that Trump has an open invitation to visit Hungary before the election, though no trip has been officially confirmed. When asked about the likelihood of such a visit, Orbán responded cryptically, suggesting that uncertainty makes anything possible.
Rubio did not meet representatives from the Tisza Party during his stay. The opposition, however, said it welcomed his visit and emphasized that maintaining strong ties with the United States remains a priority for Hungary, regardless of who wins in April.
