Marco Rubio, U.S. Secretary of State, publicly endorsed Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán’s bid for a fifth consecutive term, highlighting the strong political and personal ties between Orbán and Donald Trump during an official visit to Budapest.
During a joint press conference, Rubio emphasized that the close relationship between Orbán and Trump has significantly strengthened bilateral relations between the United States and Hungary, describing the partnership as entering a “golden age” under the current U.S. administration.
Rubio Voices Strong Political Support
Orbán, who has governed Hungary since 2010, is preparing for the April 12 national elections, widely viewed as his most challenging political contest in more than a decade. Rubio openly praised Orbán’s leadership, stating that Trump is “deeply committed” to Orbán’s political success, underlining the importance of their cooperation for both nations.
Orbán has remained one of Trump’s strongest allies within the European Union, frequently supporting U.S. foreign policy positions while advocating nationalist policies domestically.
Civil Nuclear Cooperation Agreement Signed
The visit also resulted in the signing of a U.S.–Hungary civilian nuclear cooperation agreement, which includes potential purchases of small modular nuclear reactors (SMRs), as well as U.S.-supplied nuclear fuel and storage technologies for spent fuel.
The agreement reflects Washington’s broader strategy to strengthen energy cooperation in Central Europe, particularly among countries seeking diversified energy supplies.
Orbán Maintains Controversial Foreign Policy Position
Orbán has maintained close relations with Russia despite the ongoing war in Ukraine and has continued purchasing Russian energy, even as the European Union plans to eliminate reliance on Russian fossil fuels by 2027. Hungary previously received exemptions from U.S. sanctions on Russian energy imports following diplomatic negotiations.
Additionally, Orbán expressed readiness to host a potential peace summit involving the United States, Russia, and Ukraine, while extending an open invitation to Trump to visit Hungary before the upcoming elections.
Hungary’s Domestic Policies Draw International Attention
Orbán’s leadership has attracted significant attention among conservative political movements, particularly regarding strict immigration policies, opposition to LGBTQ+ rights, and expanded surveillance measures. Hungary has also hosted multiple gatherings of the Conservative Political Action Conference (CPAC), reinforcing its position as a key hub for global conservative political networks.
Despite strong support from conservative circles, critics continue to raise concerns about democratic backsliding, restrictions on civil liberties, and tensions with European institutions.
Election Seen as Critical Political Test
With polls indicating increasing competition, the upcoming elections are widely seen as a pivotal moment for Hungary’s political future, potentially influencing both domestic governance and Budapest’s role within the European Union and broader transatlantic alliances.
