Washington backs Orbán Vance’s visit sends strong signal to Brussels

Ahead of the parliamentary elections scheduled for April 12 in Hungary, the White House is openly showing unconditional support for Prime Minister Viktor Orbán’s party, Fidesz, as evidenced by the second visit since late March of U.S. Vice President J.D. Vance to Budapest.

The fact that the United States is seriously invested in Orbán’s electoral victory was clearly demonstrated both by the high-profile activity of the American administration’s representative and by the statements he made in the Hungarian capital. At a joint press conference with the prime minister, Vance said that the preparations for Sunday’s vote represented “the worst examples of foreign election interference,” stressing that he had come to Budapest to “send a signal” to Brussels.

“I did want to send a signal to everybody, particularly the bureaucrats in Brussels who have done everything that they can to hold down the people of Hungary because they don't like the leader who has actually stood up for the people of Hungary,” he said.

Later, speaking at a campaign rally, Vance called Orbán “a man who has done more than any leader in Europe to bring about a successful resolution to the war between Russia and Ukraine,” and emphasised that the Hungarian leader is a genuine statesman capable of acting as a peacemaker.

“I am here for a simple reason, because I admire what you are fighting for. You're fighting for your freedom, you're fighting for your sovereignty, and I am here because President Trump and I wish for your success and we are fighting right here with you,” the American vice president stressed.

From Vance’s messages, it logically follows that his visit to Hungary also served as a kind of demonstration of the “special” relationship between Trump and Orbán. Notably, ahead of his trip, Péter Szijjártó, Hungarian Foreign Minister, highlighted on Facebook the personal friendship between Donald Trump and Viktor Orbán.

“There is no question that this is a golden age for Hungarian-American relations,” wrote Szijjártó.

Earlier, Donald Trump himself had also urged Hungarians to vote for Orbán, calling him “a true friend, a fighter, and a winner.”

“Election Day is April 12, 2026. Hungary: GET OUT AND VOTE FOR VIKTOR ORBÁN. He is a true friend, fighter, and WINNER, and has my Complete and Total Endorsement for Re-Election as Prime Minister of Hungary — VIKTOR ORBÁN WILL NEVER LET THE GREAT PEOPLE OF HUNGARY DOWN. I AM WITH HIM ALL THE WAY!” the White House chief wrote on the social network Truth Social.

At the same time, it can be assumed that Vance’s visit pursues not one but several objectives. Firstly, by providing comprehensive support to Orbán, the White House aims to strengthen U.S. influence in Europe, and the arrival of the vice president in the Hungarian capital on the very eve of the elections constitutes an open political message to opponents of the incumbent prime minister’s policies — namely, that he has a reliable rear and a powerful ally in Washington.

In this context, it should be noted that the list of countries dissatisfied with Orbán includes Europe’s largest economy, Germany — primarily due to disagreements over support for Ukraine — as well as France, which advocates for a more integrated EU, and the Baltic states (Lithuania, Latvia, and Estonia), which have sharply criticised the Hungarian prime minister for his “pro-Russian stance.” As we can see, the intended recipients of this message also include the EU’s leading powers.

Moreover, this signal is also aimed at the domestic Hungarian audience. The U.S. tactical move in the form of Vance’s visit may resonate with undecided voters, while also significantly boosting support among national-conservative voters and proponents of an illiberal course.

However, this visit also has a downside, which may negatively affect the outcome of the vote. For instance, the Hungarian opposition has described Vance’s arrival in Budapest as interference in the electoral process, which could strengthen the protest vote by mobilising Orbán’s opponents. This is the first point.

Secondly, Washington’s open support could further complicate the already strained Budapest–Brussels track, which may negatively influence more moderate voters. As a result, growing polarisation within the country could ultimately have an adverse impact on Fidesz’s electoral performance.

In conclusion, summing up Vance’s visit, it should be noted that, beyond the White House’s clear backing of the incumbent Hungarian prime minister, it also signalled Washington’s intention to pursue a fundamental shift in the EU’s future political course. This constitutes a very serious message not only to Viktor Orbán’s opponents within the European Union, but also to those who oppose American hegemony on the European continent.