Will Marco Rubio clash with Hungary’s Orbán? Trump’s bold Secretary of State choice
The U.S. President-elect, Donald Trump, is reportedly considering Florida Senator Marco Rubio for the role of Secretary of State, a selection that would make Rubio the first Latino to hold this prominent position. Should Rubio accept after Trump’s inauguration in January, he would assume a critical role, bringing a fresh perspective to U.S. foreign policy and potentially shaping the trajectory of American diplomacy on the global stage.
Throughout his career, Rubio has maintained a firm, sometimes uncompromising stance against America’s chief adversaries, particularly China, Iran, and Cuba. Over time, however, he has found common ground with Trump, adjusting his political views to align more closely with the President-elect’s foreign policy agenda. According to 24.hu, Trump’s choice could still change, as he has frequently shifted direction in the past—a hallmark of his approach in office.
Before the U.S. election, Viktor Orbán and Donald Trump appeared to share a strong rapport, with Trump often referencing the Hungarian Prime Minister in his speeches. However, if Rubio steps into the role of Secretary of State, a crucial question arises: how will Rubio’s stance on Hungary impact U.S.-Hungarian relations under the Trump administration?
Marco Rubio on Hungary’s democratic values
Rubio’s diplomatic concerns extend beyond traditional geopolitics to issues surrounding democracy among U.S. allies. In a letter to Trump, Rubio and a group of senators highlighted Hungary’s backsliding on democratic values, urging the President to address these issues with Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán. The letter notes that Hungary has experienced a significant democratic decline, with reports citing restricted press freedom, weakened judicial independence, and a compromised electoral system. Freedom House’s classification of Hungary as “partly free” marks a first for an EU member state.
U.S. senators, including Rubio, are particularly wary of Hungary’s close relationship with Russia. Despite its NATO membership, Hungary remains heavily reliant on Russian energy, and its “golden visa” programme could serve as a potential route to circumvent U.S. sanctions. Additionally, the recent relocation of the Russian International Investment Bank to Budapest raises concerns about Russia’s growing influence in Hungary and, by extension, in Central Europe.
Marco Rubio’s position on the Ukraine conflict
If Marco Rubio assumes the role, one of his key challenges will be addressing the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. While Rubio supports Ukraine’s sovereignty, he has advocated for a negotiated settlement rather than a military solution to reclaim Russian-occupied territory. Rubio’s position on aid has also distinguished him from many of his colleagues: he notably opposed the $95 billion aid package to Ukraine in April, signalling his cautious approach to deepening U.S. involvement.
America’s diplomatic role in Europe has long been grounded in the promotion of democratic principles, a guiding value since the Cold War. Marco Rubio and his Senate colleagues have pressed President Trump to keep democratic values at the heart of U.S.-Hungary relations, emphasising that American foreign policy in Europe is based not only on security cooperation but also on a shared commitment to democratic freedoms.
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It’s a pretty sad statement when it is implied to be a problem for Hungary when an incoming US Secretary of State has a firm commitment to democratic values.
– doesn’t support Abortion.
– “outspoken” against China.
– supports GLOBAL Democracy in any shape or form against the Russian War on the Ukraine.
Then you read on – Rubio has “softened” in his Philosophies – POSTION referred to above – to align or come back into Trumps FLOORED – Political Ideas & Philosophy – Ideology.
Don’t read into being even an “Agreed to Disagree” relationship but then again, likened to the Prime “Heinous” Minister of Hungary – Victor Mihaly. Orban – Trump and Orban – there way or NO way – at ALL costs.
Who write this BS- Orban is one only leaders in Europe the people who elected trump admires most. Trump is not new to the office and he has had 4 years to see what is going. Trump along with Oban the war never would have started and now we have over half million mostly young people dead and for what.trump already has some amazing people selected for positions that will play an important role- if any think of going roge he will need to address them and trump.
Tm.
True to reputation over time of your response – quality, lack of.
Orban, we know is an “island” of his own, the sharks circling RIGHTFULLY – likened to Jonah and the Whale – the happenings.
Trouble for Orban don’t think he will be “spat” out of the Whales stomach, and will just be DIGESTED.
What a feed it would be.
Trump – it will sooner than later be seen, in America and Globally, a country that is in Tumultuous times.
Senator Marco Rubio will not clash with the Hungarian FIDESZ Government. Rubio unlike socialist EUP can recognize a democracy. A Hungary-friendly Ambassador was appointed during the previous Trump Administration. There will not be a change during the second Trump Administration. Senator Rubio will have his hands full with the wars and punishing countries that dump their criminals into the US.