US VP heading to Hungary ahead of elections to back Orbán — Politico
Photo: US Vice President JD Vance (Getty Images)
US Vice President JD Vance plans to visit Hungary on April 7–8, just days before the parliamentary elections, to show support for Prime Minister Viktor Orbán, according to Politico.
The White House has not yet officially announced the exact dates of the visit, but according to media reports, Vance may arrive in Hungary five days before the election, on April 7.
Vance’s trip effectively breaks with a long-standing tradition of US administrations avoiding overt interference in the domestic politics of other countries.
However, President Donald Trump’s team has long since abandoned this approach: Trump himself openly supported Orbán on social media and via a video message shown at a conference in Budapest.
Vance, who has repeatedly expressed sympathy for European far-right parties and criticized traditional political alliances, could become the highest-ranking US official to visit Hungary since 2006, when President George W. Bush visited the country.
Politico notes that while the goal of influencing the election is not officially stated, the document underscores the Trump team’s support for Orbán. It speaks of a golden age in relations, based on strengthening defense, energy, and trade ties.
The document also states that Washington and Budapest must work together to safeguard Europe against threats to Western civilization, such as mass migration.
Vance’s visit is intended to send a clear signal of the US commitment and strengthen Hungary’s position as a democratic stronghold amid intensifying competition between Russia and China.
Trump supports Orbán
Earlier, US President Donald Trump appealed to Hungarian citizens to support Viktor Orbán in the election. Trump called him a true fighter and a winner.
At the same time, the American leader did not merely express support but launched a full-scale campaign, emphasizing shared values.
The support from the US came at a time when Orbán is facing his most serious challenge in recent years, opposition leader Péter Magyar, whose poll numbers are showing significant growth.
Furthermore, Trump’s statement came amid scandalous reports of possible provocations by foreign intelligence services and discussions within the EU regarding blocking loans to Ukraine due to Budapest’s stance.
Trump’s support effectively solidifies Orbán’s position as the current US administration’s key ally in Europe.
