“They Hate This Guy”: Vance Goes All-In for Orban in Dramatic Pre-Election Push

US Vice President JD Vance launched a sharp attack on the European Union during a visit to Budapest, accusing Brussels of interfering in Hungary’s election just days before a closely contested vote that could reshape the country’s political landscape. Standing alongside Prime Minister Viktor Orban, Vance described the Hungarian leader as a “role model” and “one of the only true statesmen in Europe,” while openly declaring his intention to support him in the final stretch of the campaign. “Of course, I want to help as much as I possibly can,” he said, making clear the purpose of his trip ahead of Sunday’s ballot.

The visit comes at a critical moment for Orban, who after 16 years in power faces his strongest challenge yet from Péter Magyar and the opposition Tisza party. Polling suggests a significant shift, with one survey putting Tisza at 56 percent among decided voters, compared to 37 percent for Orban’s Fidesz. Analysts say Magyar has, in just two years, built a movement capable of challenging the entrenched dominance of Hungary’s long-time leader, although pro-government pollsters continue to predict a victory for the ruling Fidesz-KDNP coalition.

Vance used his platform to deliver a broad critique of the EU, accusing its institutions of economic and political pressure designed to weaken Orban. “The bureaucrats in Brussels have tried to destroy the economy of Hungary… they have tried to make Hungary less energy independent… they have tried to drive up costs for Hungarian consumers,” he said, arguing that these actions were driven by hostility toward Orban’s political stance. He also targeted EU digital regulations such as the Digital Services Act, questioning why “bureaucrats in Brussels” should influence what information Hungarian voters see online, although he offered no evidence for claims of censorship or interference.

The US vice president went further, alleging that Ukrainian intelligence services were attempting to influence the Hungarian vote. “We’re certainly aware that there are elements within the Ukrainian intelligence services that try to put their thumb on the scale,” he said, again without providing proof. These claims echoed long-standing accusations from the Hungarian government that both Brussels and Kyiv are working to unseat Orban. Budapest has cited such concerns in justifying increased protections for key infrastructure, particularly in the energy sector.

At a campaign-style rally later in the day, Vance intensified his rhetoric, urging voters to ignore EU messaging. “I’m not telling you exactly who to vote for… but the bureaucrats in Brussels… should not be listened to,” he said. “Listen to your hearts… and the sovereignty of the Hungarian people.” In a show of transatlantic backing, Donald Trump was dialed in during the event, telling the crowd: “I love Hungary… he’s done a fantastic job,” referring to Orban.

The Trump administration has increasingly broken with past US practice by openly endorsing foreign political figures aligned with its agenda. Vance, one of the administration’s most vocal critics of liberal European governments, has consistently praised Orban’s policies, particularly his hardline stance on migration and his efforts to reshape Hungarian institutions. Secretary of State Marco Rubio also visited Budapest earlier this year, telling Orban: “Your success is our success.”

Hungary’s relationship with the EU remains strained, with disputes ranging from migration and LGBTQ rights to rule-of-law concerns and corruption allegations. Brussels has frozen billions in funding to Budapest, while Orban recently vetoed a 90 billion euro aid package for Ukraine. At the same time, Hungary has maintained close ties with Moscow and deepened its reliance on Russian energy, with reports indicating that Russia now accounts for 93 percent of its crude oil imports, up from 61 percent in 2021. Vance praised Hungary’s approach to energy, arguing European leaders had made a “huge mistake” by cutting off supplies from the east.

These remarks come amid renewed scrutiny of Orban’s links to the Kremlin. Reports this week cited a transcript of a phone call in which Orban allegedly told Russian President Vladimir Putin, “I am at your service,” offering assistance “in any matter.” Putin, in turn, was said to have praised Hungary’s “independent and flexible” stance on the war in Ukraine. The Hungarian government has not denied maintaining close communication with Moscow, even as critics warn of Russian influence operations and disinformation efforts aimed at shaping the election outcome.

The campaign itself has increasingly revolved around competing visions for Hungary’s future. Orban has framed the war in Ukraine as the central threat, positioning himself as the leader best equipped to protect the country, while Magyar has focused on domestic concerns such as economic stagnation, weakening public services and corruption. Responding directly to Vance’s visit, Magyar warned against outside involvement. “No foreign country may interfere in Hungarian elections,” he said. “This is our country… Hungarian history is written in Hungarian streets and squares.”

Despite his strong endorsement of Orban, Vance said the United States would be prepared to work with any future Hungarian government. Still, he expressed confidence in the outcome, stating: “Viktor Orban is going to win the next election in Hungary.”