US Vice President JD Vance arrived in Hungary on Monday in a move widely seen as a show of support for Prime Minister Viktor Orbán ahead of the country’s upcoming parliamentary elections. Vance is scheduled to meet Orbán on Tuesday, followed by a public address at a “Hungarian-American Friendship Day” event in Budapest.
Speaking before departure from Joint Base Andrews, Vance said discussions would cover a range of issues, including bilateral relations, Europe, and the ongoing situation in Ukraine.
The visit comes as US President Donald Trump has repeatedly expressed backing for Orbán, describing his support for the Hungarian leader in the run-up to the election.
Orbán’s campaign has largely focused on foreign policy, highlighting his ties with both Washington and Moscow. His government has maintained close relations with Trump while also sustaining dialogue with Russian President Vladimir Putin.
However, recent opinion polls indicate a strong challenge from the opposition Tisza party, led by conservative politician Péter Magyar, who has emerged as a key contender in the election.
Pro-government projections, meanwhile, continue to predict a victory for Orbán’s Fidesz-KDNP coalition.
The visit reflects a broader shift in US foreign policy under Trump’s administration, which has moved away from traditional neutrality in foreign elections and increasingly shows open support for aligned political leaders.
Earlier this year, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio also visited Budapest, where he expressed confidence in Hungary’s leadership and reaffirmed Washington’s support.
Hungary remains closely aligned with the US administration on several issues, including immigration policy, which has been a central theme of Orbán’s leadership since the European refugee crisis.
The parliamentary elections are expected to be closely watched, with both domestic and international implications for Hungary’s political direction.
