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Trump and Orbán: What does the future hold for US-Hungary relations?
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Hungary’s Viktor Orbán doubles down on loyalty, defending sanctioned minister Antal Rogán while eyeing alignment with Trump’s “America First” policy. Can Orbán’s strategy withstand regional rivalry and Trump’s unpredictability?
Orbán’s political position
As Telex writes, Orbán Viktor’s political strategy has been notably characterised by his unwavering support for his ministers, even in the face of external challenges. Recently, he defended Antal Rogán, a key minister who was placed on a US sanctions list, asserting that such actions only reinforce Rogán’s position within the government. This approach highlights Orbán’s tendency to protect his officials rather than replace them during crises, a strategy he has employed previously with others in his cabinet. As the Trump administration takes shape, Orbán’s loyalty to his team may be put to the test, particularly as Rogán’s role in fostering US-Hungarian relations comes under scrutiny.
New era in US-Hungarian relations?
With the anticipated change in US leadership, Orbán’s government is optimistic about a new era in relations with Trump. They believe that Trump’s “America First” policy could align with Hungary’s independent foreign policy aspirations, allowing for a more amicable relationship without provoking US discontent. Orbán‘s administration hopes that the new American administration will accept their desire to maintain equal distance from major powers like Russia and China.
I know! Perhaps our Politicians could persuade the US to send us free money – EUR 3.5 billion+ every year would be nice? You know – so Hungary can be free of “Soros!”, “Brussels Bureacrats” and “Liberal Elites!”.
Not too much to ask, is it?
The problem for Fidesz is that the new US Secretary of State Marco Rubio is the least corrupt and most protective of democratic values of any member of the cabinet. He is not a fan of dictatorships or Orban’s Chinese and Russian friends. Fidesz is not going to get any free pass and is likely to be in for a rude awakening.
I posted this elsewhere – however, reposting since it is notable (and @larry a case-in-point):
The U.S. government said on Monday it would issue a new regulation designed to control access to U.S.-designed artificial intelligence chips and technology by other countries around the world. The rule restricts the export of chips known as graphics processing units (GPUs), needed for the most sophisticated AI applications.
Eighteen destinations are exempt: Australia, Belgium, Britain, Canada, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Ireland, Italy, Japan, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, South Korea, Spain, Sweden and Taiwan plus the United States.
https://www.reuters.com/technology/artificial-intelligence/how-new-ai-chip-rule-us-will-work-2025-01-13/