U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio declares President Donald Trump’s firm commitment to Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban’s success, emphasizing its alignment with American national interests. Rubio made these remarks during a joint news conference in Budapest, signaling a robust U.S. endorsement ahead of Hungary’s April parliamentary election.
Rubio’s Key Statements in Budapest
Speaking alongside Orban, Rubio highlighted the strengthening U.S.-Hungary relationship, describing it as entering a “golden era.” He tied this progress directly to Orban’s continued leadership. “President Trump is deeply committed to your success, because your success is our success,” Rubio stated. He added, “We want this country to do well. It’s in our national interest, especially as long as you’re the prime minister and the leader of this country.”
Context of Rubio’s Central Europe Tour
Rubio’s visit marks the second stop on a two-day tour of Central Europe, following Slovakia. Both nations feature conservative leaders who maintain close ties with Trump and express criticism toward the European Union. Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico, who recently met Trump in Florida, praised the U.S. president for promoting peace and described the EU as facing a “deep crisis.”
Hungary’s Upcoming Election Challenges
Orban confronts his toughest electoral test since his Fidesz party secured a landslide victory in 2010. Polls show him trailing ahead of the April 12 vote, which could reshape Europe’s rising conservative and far-right movements. Budapest routinely hosts the Conservative Political Action Conference (CPAC), with another event scheduled for March, drawing global conservative figures.
U.S.-Europe Relations and Energy Ties
Orban maintains cordial relations with Russia, purchases Russian gas and oil despite U.S. objections, and frequently criticizes Ukraine and EU policies on various fronts. Meanwhile, Slovakia and Hungary persist in buying Russian energy supplies even after Moscow’s 2022 invasion of Ukraine, unlike other EU nations that shifted to alternatives like U.S. natural gas.
At the recent Munich Security Conference, Rubio urged unity while upholding U.S. critiques of Europe amid tensions over tariffs, Transatlantic relations, and proposals like acquiring Greenland from Denmark. “We expect every country in the world to act in their national interest. That is what countries are supposed to do,” Rubio explained. “When our national interests are aligned, this is an extraordinary opportunity for cooperation and partnership.”
