February 16th, 2026 - Rubio Highlights Trump’s Backing of Hungary’s Leader Ahead of Close Vote

Secretary of State Marco Rubio on Monday underscored what he described as the strong personal bond between President Trump and Prime Minister Viktor Orban of Hungary, signaling firm White House backing for the Hungarian leader as he heads into a closely contested national election.

Speaking after meeting Mr. Orban at the prime minister’s office in Budapest’s Carmelite Monastery, Mr. Rubio credited the relationship between the two leaders as central to deepening ties between Washington and Budapest. He said President Trump was committed to Mr. Orban’s political success, framing Hungary as a key partner for advancing American interests in Central Europe.

Mr. Orban, who has openly promoted what he calls an “illiberal state,” has spent years consolidating power at home. His government has drawn criticism for weakening democratic institutions, tightening control over the judiciary and media, and adopting hard-line positions on immigration while maintaining close ties with Russia. Those policies have made him a polarizing figure in Europe and a source of inspiration for some conservative movements abroad.

Despite his firm grip on power, Mr. Orban faces a serious challenge in April’s election. His main opponent, Peter Magyar, a former member of Mr. Orban’s Fidesz party, is campaigning on an anti-corruption platform and has pledged to repair strained relations with the European Union — a message that has gained traction with many voters.

The visit by Mr. Rubio came just as Hungary’s campaign season formally began, reinforcing the perception that the Trump administration is willing to engage openly in the domestic political landscapes of allied nations. Mr. Orban highlighted the signing of 17 new economic agreements with the United States, including a civil nuclear cooperation deal, and reiterated his view that Russia’s invasion of Ukraine might have been avoided under Mr. Trump’s leadership.

Hungary’s position on Ukraine has further distinguished it from many of its European partners. Mr. Orban has criticized European military and financial support for Kyiv and suggested that Hungary could serve as a venue for peace negotiations. He also said Ukraine had an interest in Hungary’s upcoming election, arguing that the vote had broader international implications.

Mr. Rubio’s stop in Budapest followed appearances at the Munich Security Conference and meetings in Slovakia with Prime Minister Robert Fico. In both venues, he emphasized themes aligned with the Trump administration’s worldview, including skepticism toward European Union policies and criticism of large-scale migration. As Hungary awaits its April vote, the public alignment between Washington and Budapest has become another prominent factor in an already high-stakes campaign.

Word of the Day (Merriam-Webster) - Prerogative (noun, prih-RAH-guh-tiv) - Prerogative means "right or privilege," and especially refers to a special right or privilege that some people have.

Example: If you'd rather sell the tickets than use them, that's your prerogative.

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