Vance's visit to Budapest came ahead of Sunday's election, which independent public opinion polls show Orban is likely to lose. The trip -- and the rare endorsement by a sitting US official -- underscored how crucial Trump deems the veteran Hungarian nationalist's reelection. "What has happened in the midst of this election campaign is one of the worst examples of foreign election interference that I've ever seen or ever even read about," Vance told a press conference. They have tried to drive up costs for Hungarian consumers, and they've done it all because they hate this guy (Orban)." Vance has previously drawn criticism in Europe, notably with a 2025 speech in Munich that accused many of the continent's governments of censoring free speech and failing to control immigration.

Source: The Express Tribune April 07, 2026 22:29 UTC