The United States has lifted sanctions against Antal Rogán, one of Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán’s closest associates, stating that the punitive measure “no longer aligns with the foreign policy interests of the United States.”
The news was confirmed by the US State Department following a phone call on Tuesday between Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Hungarian Foreign Minister Péter Szijjártó.
“Secretary Rubio informed Foreign Minister Szijjártó about the removal of senior Hungarian official Antal Rogán from the sanctions list, emphasizing that his continued inclusion no longer served the goals of our foreign policy,” said Tammy Bruce, spokesperson for the State Department.
This decision represents a major shift from the earlier position of the Biden administration, which had placed Rogán on the sanctions list on January 7, accusing him of systemic corruption and using state resources to benefit political allies within the ruling Fidesz party.
The removal of sanctions comes at a time of rising international political tension, as Viktor Orbán continues to strengthen ties with Donald Trump and maintains a cautious stance on the war in Ukraine, all while nurturing warm relations with Moscow.
Analysts view this decision as a potential diplomatic concession from the United States toward a possible ally in an increasingly divided Europe, especially as Orbán emerges as one of the most vocal pro-Trump figures within the EU.
