On Tuesday, Vice President JD Vance arrived in Hungary, swiftly reaffirming the Trump administration’s allegiance to Prime Minister Viktor Orbán. This comes at a critical time as Orbán faces a vital election on April 12.
During a joint press conference in Budapest, Vance emphasized the importance of the upcoming vote, which poses a threat to Orbán’s enduring hold on power. While he downplayed claims of attempting to politically rescue Orbán, the election was central to his address.
Vance stated, “I want to help as much as I can, as the prime minister faces this election season, which I believe is happening in just about a week, the election to select Hungary’s next Prime Minister.”
In a notable moment, Vance called President Donald Trump, generating significant buzz online and signaling that the White House remains closely aligned with Orbán’s campaign.
Orbán is pursuing his fifth term against critics who argue that democratic structures in Hungary have weakened, noting increased control over essential institutions and media by his allies. Opposition leader Peter Magyar, a former member of Orbán’s party, is posing a serious challenge following his breakaway.
Trump has long viewed Orbán as a key ally in Europe, having been one of the first leaders to endorse him back in 2016. Orbán’s tough stance on immigration resonates with Trump supporters, further solidifying their bond as he has engaged at CPAC and met Trump multiple times this year.
Despite being part of the European Union, Hungary has seen its relations with Brussels sour, particularly over the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, where Orbán has used Hungary’s veto power to block EU initiatives aimed at supporting Kyiv.
Vance posited that both Orbán and Trump have been instrumental in efforts to resolve the war. He remarked, “The war would have never started … if President Trump had been president four years ago, but now, probably the two leaders who have done the most to actually end that destructive conflict have been Donald J. Trump and Viktor Orbán in Hungary.”
Trump has already voiced his support for Orbán, commending him as “strong and powerful.” Orbán reciprocated these sentiments during the event, expressing gratitude towards Trump and Vance for their unwavering support of Hungary.
Orbán stated, “We owe gratitude to President Trump and Vice President Vance for standing by Hungary during the past years. The United States of America is the strongest country in the world, and I am happy to say that they are our allies today, ensuring the peace and security of Hungary.”
Vance’s trip to Hungary follows Secretary of State Marco Rubio’s visit in February, as the administration strengthens ties with leaders who share a common vision regarding borders, sovereignty, and national security.
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