Hungary’s Prime Minister Viktor Orban visits US to meet Donald Trump

Europe, News, US March 11, 2024 , by IRIA No Comments

Hungary’s right-wing nationalist Prime Minister Viktor Orban arrived in the U.S. to meet with former U.S. President Donald Trump. Orban expressed his support for Trump’s ongoing election campaign during their meeting in Florida.

The meeting between Orban and Trump took place at Trump’s Mar-a-Lago resort in Florida, followed shortly after Orban endorsed the former U.S. president’s effort to reclaim the White House this year. The gathering further underscored Trump’s alignment with autocratic leaders who oppose democratic norms.

The Hungarian leader has gained immense popularity among certain conservative populists in the U.S. for championing the concept of “illiberal democracy”, which includes restrictions on immigration and LGBTQ+ rights.

His meeting with the U.S. presidential candidate encompassed various topics concerning both Hungary and the United States, notably emphasizing the critical significance of robust and secure borders to safeguard the sovereignty of each nation.

Thank you for the invitation and the kind words, President @realDonaldTrump ! pic.twitter.com/YuroGK0yHy
— Orbán Viktor (@PM_ViktorOrban) March 9, 2024

Orban’s unusual visit to the U.S. gathered severe criticism by U.S. President Joe Biden. The Hungarian Prime Minister did not meet any official from the Biden administration during his visit to the U.S.

President Biden criticized former President Trump’s meeting with Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban, emphasizing Biden’s primary campaign platform of preserving democracy. “Do you know who he’s meeting with today down at Mar-a-Lago?” Biden said during a campaign event in Pennsylvania. “Orban of Hungary, who plainly stated he doesn’t believe in the effectiveness of democracy; he’s seeking dictatorship.”

According to a statement released by Trump’s Presidential campaign, the two allies engaged in discussions covering a broad spectrum of topics concerning Hungary and the United States, emphasizing the crucial significance of robust and secure borders to safeguard the sovereignty of each nation.

*^{Hungary’s Prime Minister Viktor Orban walking in front of the European Union flag. (Image Credit: Johanna Geron/Reuters)}*

Orban has said only the return of Republican candidate Trump to the White House could bring peace to Ukraine. “We need leaders in the world who are respected and can bring peace. He is one of them! Come back and bring us peace, Mr. President!” He said in a post on X after the meeting.

“Viktor is a Great Leader, respected all over the World,” Trump said following his meeting with the Hungarian Prime Minister. He added it had been an honor to host Orban. “Hungary is a Safe Country because of his Strong Immigration Policies, and as long as he is in charge, it always will be!” Trump added in a post on his Truth Social messaging platform.

Orban has consistently clashed with the EU regarding his anti-immigration initiatives and efforts to increase state control over the judiciary, NGOs, and media, which critics argue have undermined democracy in Hungary. Additionally, Orban has voiced opposition to EU sanctions against Russia, although he ultimately did not veto them, and delayed an EU decision on providing new assistance to Ukraine until reaching an agreement earlier this year.

President @realDonaldTrump was a president of peace. He commanded respect in the world, and created the conditions for peace. During his presidency there was peace in the Middle East and peace in Ukraine. We need him back more than ever! Thank you for the invitation, Mr.… pic.twitter.com/4nSqwoYxMV
— Orbán Viktor (@PM_ViktorOrban) March 10, 2024