U.S. vice president JD Vance used a visit to Budapest on Tuesday to back Hungarian prime minister Viktor Orbán ahead of upcoming elections, saying he wanted to help him “as much as possible” and praising him as a leading voice on energy and sovereignty in Europe.
Vance described Orbán as “the most important leader in Europe” on energy security, arguing that other European leaders could learn from Hungary’s approach. He pointed to closer U.S.–Hungary cooperation in areas such as technology and artificial intelligence.
The vice president also framed the alliance as part of a broader effort to defend Western civilization, pointing to shared priorities such as family policy, freedom of speech, energy security, and the protection of national sovereignty.
He praised both Orbán and U.S. president Donald Trump for their roles in pushing for peace in the Russia–Ukraine war, calling them the two leaders who had done the most to seek a resolution.
Orbán warned Europe’s strategy had failed, arguing sanctions against Russia had weakened the continent and risked higher energy prices and shortages.
Both leaders underlined the importance of closer cooperation in the energy sector to ensure stability and affordability. Orbán said Hungary’s security and economic stability depend heavily on strong ties with the United States, particularly in the current geopolitical climate.
Vance also raised concerns about foreign interference in elections, claiming that “Brussels bureaucrats” were attempting to weaken Hungary’s economy and undermine its energy independence. He argued that the key question for voters is not ideological alignment with Europe or the United States, but who stands with the Hungarian people.
“This is the kind of leadership that is needed,” he added.
Despite saying that the United States would work with any elected government, Vance expressed confidence that Orbán would win the upcoming vote.
