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Hungarian minister: We’d consider sending soldiers if Trump asked us to, Orbán: This is nonsense
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A single sentence has triggered a political storm in Hungary. It exposed tensions within the government and fuelled opposition attacks over its long-standing “pro-peace” narrative.
Gulyás: Hungary would “consider” helping Trump
At Thursday’s Government Info briefing, the Minister heading the Prime Minister’s Office Gergely Gulyás was asked whether Donald Trump had requested Hungarian assistance in securing the Strait of Hormuz.
He said no request had been made. However, when pressed on a hypothetical scenario, Gulyás added that if such a request were made, Hungary would “consider” providing help, 444.hu writes.
This brief exchange quickly escalated into a major political controversy, as it suggested, even hypothetically, that Hungary could weigh military involvement in a Middle Eastern conflict.
Orbán dismisses comment as “nonsense”
Prime Minister Viktor Orbán responded sharply when questioned in Brussels, calling Gulyás’s remark “nonsense”.
When asked to confirm whether he was referring to his minister’s statement, Orbán doubled down, saying yes. He added a sarcastic remark: Hungary could consider such involvement “if we had a sea and a navy”.
The unusually blunt rebuke stands out in Hungarian politics, where senior government figures are rarely criticised so openly by the prime minister.
Foreign minister also contradicts Gulyás
Foreign Minister Péter Szijjártó also moved to contain the situation, stating that no request had been made by the United States and dismissing the discussion as speculative.
Speaking at a public forum, Szijjártó insisted: “You cannot expect something like that from us.” He reiterated that Hungary would not send troops, aligning himself with Orbán’s position.
Opposition seizes on remark
Opposition leader Péter Magyar reacted almost immediately, accusing the government of hypocrisy.
He argued that Gulyás’s statement effectively meant Hungary could send troops abroad if requested by the US president, claiming it undermined the government’s repeated messaging that it is firmly against war.
The opposition has since amplified the clip across social media, framing it as proof that the government’s “peace policy” is conditional.
Echoes of past campaign rhetoric
The controversy has also revived memories of the 2022 election campaign, when ruling party figures heavily criticised opposition candidate Péter Márki-Zay for saying Hungary could provide military assistance if required under NATO decisions.
At the time, such statements were used to portray the opposition as “pro-war”: a line of attack that analysts say now risks backfiring on the government.
Analysts: damage to core campaign message
Political analysts warn that the episode could harm the government’s central campaign narrative.
According to experts cited by 24.hu, Gulyás’s comment directly contradicts the ruling party’s long-standing anti-war positioning, potentially weakening its credibility among voters.
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Oops, that shot really backfired!
What about the TEK commandos? You know the ones protecting Orban who got in a car crash and had to be rescued. They wouldn’t last two minutes once they got there. This is all a no-win situation for Orban who has made Donald Trump is best friend forever. Now the Iranians are threatening world-wide terrorist attacks. Orban said “Peace has a name -Donald Trump” He’s bringing everyone a “Golden Age”, and all the rest of the absolute bunk that the Hungarian sheep believed. Well, there’s your peace suckers. We wouldn’t be in this absolute crisis if Kamela Harris was president but no ….Donald Trump is “so great”. He’s bringing you PEACE!