US President Donald Trump endorsed Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban’s re-election campaign on Thursday, describing the strongman as a “winner” and a “true friend.”
Orban, who has ruled Hungary since 2010, has in turn been a staunch supporter of the US president – as well as of Russian President Vladimir Putin, who he has repeatedly defied the EU to meet with since Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine nearly four years ago.
“Highly Respected Prime Minister of Hungary, Viktor Orbán, is a truly strong and powerful Leader, with a proven track record of delivering phenomenal results,” Trump wrote on his Truth Social platform. “He fights tirelessly for, and loves, his Great Country and People, just like I do for the United States of America.”
Peter Magyar’s opposition Tisza party overtook Orban’s Fidesz party in the polls for the first time in 2024, marking the first time Fidesz had fallen behind a single opposition party since 2010. Despite the not inconsiderable amount of time to have passed since, Tisza has maintained its lead. As his support at home collapses, the Hungarian president has turned to Russian propaganda narratives about Ukraine to fill the void.
Hungary has experienced severe democratic backsliding since Orban took power – making it an outlier within the EU. Budapest often uses its veto to block European proposals regarding support for Ukraine.
Hungary also has the lowest household living standards in the EU, to name another factor which sets it apart from its European neighbors. Hungary’s economy has experienced minimal growth in recent years.
“I look forward to continuing working closely with him so that both of our Countries can further advance this tremendous path to SUCCESS and cooperation,” Trump added.
“Viktor Orbán is a true friend, fighter, and WINNER, and has my Complete and Total Endorsement for Re-Election as Prime Minister of Hungary – HE WILL NEVER LET THE GREAT PEOPLE OF HUNGARY DOWN!”