US President Donald Trump gives his “complete and total” backing to Hungarian PM Viktor Orban ahead of a challenging April election.
WASHINGTON: US President Donald Trump has issued his “complete and total endorsement” for Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban’s re-election. Trump urged voters to back Orban in an April contest that poses an unprecedented challenge to his 16-year rule.
Orban “is a truly strong and powerful Leader, with a proven track record of delivering phenomenal results,” Trump wrote on his Truth Social platform. He praised the Hungarian leader for fighting illegal immigration, restoring law and order and improving bilateral ties.
“I was proud to ENDORSE Viktor for Re-Election in 2022, and am honored to do so again,” Trump’s post continued. The US president explicitly called for support ahead of the April 12, 2026 vote.
Independent opinion polls suggest Orban is in a weak position ahead of the ballot. The Hungarian leader is a known supporter of both Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin.
Orban has faced sustained criticism from the European Union in Brussels. He is accused of silencing critical voices in the judiciary, academia, media and civil society.
His government has also enacted policies that target minorities, drawing further international condemnation. The upcoming election occurs against the backdrop of the war in Ukraine, Hungary’s neighbour.