Vice President Vance Supported Orbán Before Election Defeat
U. S. Vice President JD Vance traveled to Budapest to support Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán ahead of the parliamentary elections. During his visit, Vance met with Orbán, attended campaign events, and publicly criticized the European Union for alleged interference in Hungary's election. Germany rejected these accusations, suggesting Vance's visit itself was a form of interference. Vance denied any U. S.
interference while reaffirming support for Orbán's re-election bid. Concurrently, President Donald Trump pledged economic support to Hungary contingent on Orbán's victory. Despite these efforts, Orbán was defeated in the election. Vice President Vance expressed sadness but not surprise over the outcome, emphasizing that his visit was to support a longstanding ally. Former President Barack Obama later commended the election results as a victory for democracy, marking a significant political shift in Hungary following the U. S. involvement and support for Orbán.
