🤝 Secretary of State Marco Rubio visited Budapest and underscored President Trump’s support for Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán ahead of Hungary’s April elections, highlighting the two leaders’ close relationship 12. The outreach signals a U.S. foreign-policy bet on continuity in Hungary’s leadership at a moment when Orbán faces what the reporting describes as a potentially tougher electoral challenge than in recent years 12.
Separately, the United States and Hungary signed a civil nuclear cooperation deal, which both sides framed as practical collaboration that could deepen ties over time 3. The move is also drawing scrutiny: Orbán’s government has faced criticism from some neighbors over democratic backsliding, while the Trump administration is leaning into a warmer partnership with a leader described in the reporting as friendly with Russia’s president 3.
Sources
- In Hungary, Marco Rubio Stresses Trump’s Support for Viktor Orban [nytimes.com] (2026-02-16)
- Rubio plugs Orbán's bid for another term after April elections during a visit to Budapest [allsides.com] (2026-02-16)
- U.S., Hungary sign civil nuclear deal as Trump deepens ties with Orbán [cbsnews.com] (2026-02-16)
Highlights
- EU alignment: AllSides described Orbán as one of President Trump’s most vocal supporters in the European Union and said he has worked to win Trump’s favor ahead of Hungary’s April vote 2.
- Rubio’s wording: The New York Times reported Rubio said Trump was “deeply committed” to Orbán’s success, a striking message given Orbán’s own description of his system as an “illiberal state” 1.
- Scale of the test: AllSides said the coming contest could be Orbán’s toughest challenge in 16 years in power 2.
- Deliverable diplomacy: CBS framed the civil nuclear cooperation agreement as a concrete step alongside the push to deepen U.S.-Hungary ties 3.
Perspectives
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio: Rubio publicly encouraged Orbán’s bid for another term during meetings in Budapest, emphasizing the leaders’ personal ties 2.
The Trump administration: Rubio said Trump was “deeply committed” to Orbán’s success, and the U.S. also signed a civil nuclear cooperation deal with Hungary that CBS described as part of a broader push to deepen ties 13.
Hungary’s regional critics (as described by CBS): Neighbors of Hungary are described as warning that Orbán is eroding democracy, even as Washington draws closer to his government 3.