3 American presidents have a statue in Budapest – who will be next?
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The story of the statues depicting American presidents in Budapest begins with the enduring relationship between Hungary and the United States, a connection forged in history and preserved in bronze. Up to this day, three American presidents have been honoured with statues in the Hungarian capital. One led the United States in the 18th century, while the other two held office during the 20th century. These statues are located in Budapest’s City Park and Szabadság (Freedom) Square, where the United States Embassy operates.
Hungary’s first presidential statue
D’après Pestbuda, mass emigration from the Hungarian part of the Austro-Hungarian Empire to the United States began in the late 19th century. Hungarians were held in high regard in the US, largely due to their struggle for freedom in 1848–49 and the efforts of Lajos Kossuth, a national hero who toured America in the 1850s to rally support for Hungarian independence.
Hungarians living and working in the United States spearheaded a movement to erect a statue of Kossuth in Cleveland, Ohio, home to a significant Hungarian community. Their campaign succeeded, and in 1902, the first Kossuth statue in the Americas was unveiled. Emboldened by this achievement, the movement turned its attention to commemorating the first American president, George Washington, in Budapest.
3 American presidents received statues in Budapest: one of them boasts two sculptures
In 1906, a statue of George Washington, created by Hungarian sculptor Gyula Bezerédi, was installed in City Park. The costs were covered entirely by private donations, and the unveiling was attended by Ferenc Kossuth, the son of Lajos Kossuth and a minister in the government of Sándor Wekerle (1906-1910). Furthermore, all expenses were donated by individuals.
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Theodore Roosevelt (1901-1909) became the first sitting American president to visit Hungary, spending three days in the country in 1910. In total, US presidents have visited Hungary nine times since then. Bill Clinton made three trips, while George H. W. Bush and George W. Bush each visited twice while in office. Richard Nixon and Jimmy Carter both visited after leaving office, in 1963 and 1996 respectively.
Ronald Reagan holds a unique place in Hungarian memory. His role in defeating the Soviet Union, winning the Cold War, and supporting the liberation of Central and Eastern Europe earned him widespread admiration. To honour his legacy, a statue of Reagan was erected in City Park in 2006. Five years later, a full-figure statue of the former president was installed in Szabadság (Freedom) Square, near the US Embassy.
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In 2020, George H. W. Bush was honoured with a statue in Budapest, commemorating his contributions to dismantling the Iron Curtain, facilitating German reunification, and supporting Europe’s return to democracy. Bush was the first sitting US president to visit Hungary, arriving just a week after the death of János Kádár, the former leader of Hungary’s communist regime. Speaking to a crowd in Kossuth Square during heavy rain, Bush abandoned his prepared remarks when his speech notes became soaked, delivering his message extemporaneously.
His statue, located near Reagan’s, depicts him holding papers in his right hand, a nod to his impromptu speech. The proximity of the two statues symbolises their shared role in the fight to end the Cold War.
Qui sera le prochain?
While several American presidents might be deserving of a statue in Budapest, it is unclear who could be next. Speculation has swirled around Donald Trump, given his reportedly strong relationship with Viktor Orbán, Hungary’s prime minister. Their political alliance has been described as one of the closest between a Hungarian leader and a US president in modern history.
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Rumours persist about plans for a Trump Tower in Budapest, though public opinion on such a project is divided. Should a statue of Trump ever materialise, it might find a place alongside Reagan and Bush, smiling down on Budapest while proclaiming “Make America Great Again.”
VSquare : La Trump Tower peut être construite à Budapest !
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