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.
Read also:
- Orbán cabinet: Trump’s presidency ‘beacon of hope’ for Europe, Hungary
- Orbán and Trump are ‘extremely close’ allies, the Hungarian government believes
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