U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio made a high-profile visit to Hungary this week, publicly affirming U.S. support for Prime Minister Viktor Orbán just weeks before the country’s parliamentary elections scheduled for April 12, 2026. The visit underscores the close ties between the United States and Hungary, particularly through the leadership of former President Donald Trump.
At a joint press conference in Budapest, Rubio praised Orbán’s long tenure and leadership, describing U.S.-Hungary relations as entering a “golden era” and emphasizing that Trump is “deeply committed” to Orbán’s success in the April vote. Rubio also highlighted new bilateral agreements, including a civilian nuclear cooperation pact that could involve U.S. small modular reactors and nuclear fuel technology for Hungary.
Orbán, who has led Hungary since 2010 and is seeking a fifth consecutive term, faces a tougher electoral climate this cycle with opposition parties mounting stronger challenges. Despite this, the Hungarian premier has maintained significant support among American conservative leaders, in part for his hard-line positions on immigration and euroskeptic policies that resonate with right-wing voters in both countries.
The close personal relationship between Trump and Orbán has been a central theme of the visit. Rubio reiterated that Hungary’s success under Orbán is seen as beneficial to U.S. interests, reflecting a broader strategy of strengthening ties with like-minded leaders in Europe.
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Critics of the administration’s support argue that backing for Orbán, a figure often at odds with mainstream European Union policies, especially on rule of law and media freedom, could complicate relations with traditional U.S. allies in Western Europe. Nevertheless, Rubio’s diplomatic engagements, including his remarks in Budapest, signal continued emphasis on ideological alignment and strategic cooperation as the Hungarian election approaches.
