U.S. Vice President JD Vance has commented on Hungary’s recent election and the United States’ approach to political engagement in the country.
In an interview with Fox News, Vance described Viktor Orbán as a significant European leader who shaped Hungary’s development over the past 16 years, calling him “a wonderful person who has done a very good job.” He also said Orbán had been a key partner for the United States on several issues.
Vance explained that one reason for U.S. political support during the campaign was Orbán’s willingness to take positions aligned with American interests in Europe. “We knew, of course, that Viktor Orbán would likely lose.”
But we decided to act because he was one of the few European politicians willing to stand up to the Brussels bureaucracy that has harmed the United States.
He added that Orbán had frequently defended American companies in disputes with European institutions. “When European officials attacked American companies, the ex-PM was often the only one who stood up for and defended American interests,” Vance said.
The Vice President also addressed Hungary’s political transition, stating that despite Orbán’s electoral defeat, cooperation between Washington and Budapest would continue. “It is a shame he lost. I am sure we can work well with the new Hungarian Prime Minister, Péter Magyar,” he said.
Vance has previously described Orbán as “the most important leader in Europe” on energy security, praising Hungary’s approach to energy policy and its cooperation with the United States in areas such as technology and artificial intelligence.
