Viktor Orbán Backs Trump’s Return di Geri Molnar

Viktor Orbán Backs Trump’s Return, Sees Strategic Gains for Hungary and Europe

Viktor Orbán has never hidden his admiration for Donald Trump. Hungary’s prime minister has backed the former U.S. president from the start, and the two men share deep respect for each other. Their views align on major issues such as national sovereignty, immigration, and a general distrust of global institutions.

So when Trump won re-election in November 2024, Orbán wasted no time. He hosted a summit in Budapest, bringing together conservative European leaders. Calling Trump a “man of peace,” he suggested that under Trump’s leadership, the war in Ukraine could be resolved quickly. More than that, he saw Trump’s return as a turning point for right-wing politics across Europe.

By February 2025, Orbán was in Madrid for the Patriots Summit, standing alongside figures like Marine Le Pen and Matteo Salvini. The event’s slogan—“Make Europe Great Again”—made it clear where inspiration came from. Speaking at the conference, Orbán reaffirmed his belief that a second Trump presidency would strengthen Hungary’s position and give momentum to conservative movements across the EU.

But there’s another layer to this story—one with real consequences for Hungary’s media landscape. Recently, the U.S. froze USAID funding for Eastern European media outlets, cutting support for investigative platforms like Átlátszó. Between 2023 and 2024, the outlet reportedly relied on USAID for about 10-15% of its budget. Now, with that funding gone, questions are being raised about the future of foreign-backed media in the region.

Orbán is making his move, positioning himself as Trump’s closest European ally. He’s betting that a strong U.S. partnership will not only reinforce his own leadership at home but also help shape the future of right-wing politics in Europe. With Trump back in the White House, Orbán sees an opportunity to push his policies even further—both in Hungary and across the EU.