Speaking from the Hungarian Embassy in Washington ahead of his Friday meeting with the U.S. president, Prime Minister Orbán described the renewed partnership as a “camaraderie” forged through shared convictions and political alignment.
Reflecting on Hungary’s divergence from Western liberalism since 2010, the prime minister stated that Hungary was the first Western country to reject liberal-globalist governance in favor of a conservative, Christian-national model. He recalled how this direction found validation when President Trump was first elected in 2016. The next Democrat-led admin under President Biden, however, severely damaged bilateral relations, introducing sanctions and halting defense cooperation. According to Prime Minister Orbán, these policies have now been reversed since President Trump returned to office in January.
“This is good for Hungary,” he said, pointing to the surge in U.S. investment in Hungary. With 1,400 American-owned companies employing roughly 100,000 Hungarians, bilateral economic ties are deepening. Seven major American investments exceeding $100 million have been completed this year, with more expected. The prime minister noted alignment in key political areas — migration, family values, and peace — as the foundation of this new golden age in Hungarian-American cooperation.
Addressing his upcoming meeting with President Trump, Prime Minister Orbán highlighted energy sanctions as a top priority. He argued that sanctions targeting Russian energy disproportionately harm landlocked countries like Hungary, which lack alternative access routes. Rather than offering deals or concessions, Prime Minister Orbán said he would appeal to common sense and present multiple technical proposals for resolution.
On the war in Ukraine, the prime minister praised President Trump as a “man of peace,” describing him as a Christian leader determined to end this conflict. “He has closed eight conflicts in eight months,” he noted, expressing hope that this leadership could bring an end to the Ukraine war as well.
PM Orbán also voiced concern over the prevailing illusion in Brussels that the war can be won militarily and that Russia can be forced to pay for both reparations and Ukraine’s reconstruction. With estimates suggesting Ukraine would require resources equaling nearly double Hungary’s annual GDP to sustain itself over the next four years, Prime Minister Orbán warned of the financial unsustainability of this path. Hungary, he reiterated, has not and will not send weapons, soldiers, or money to the conflict.
Responding to questions about pressure from Brussels, he said Hungary faces enormous efforts — internal and external — to force it into the war-supporting coalition. Yet, he insisted, Hungary would resist. “This is the battle,” he stated, underlining that the Hungarian people’s support for peace, as seen in the ongoing anti-war national consultation, strengthens his government’s resolve to stay out.
Lastly, regarding the data breach connected to the Tisza Party’s app, Prime Minister Orbán confirmed that an investigation is underway, stating that those who mishandle sensitive data prove themselves unfit for public responsibility. He promised updates following the next government meeting.
