US Secretary of State Marco Rubio is scheduled to visit Hungary and Slovakia next week, as confirmed by the State Department. This visit will follow President Donald Trump's endorsement of the right-wing Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban, who is currently lagging in the polls ahead of the upcoming April elections. Trump's support comes at a crucial time, highlighting the close ties between the two leaders amid a backdrop of tension between the US and the EU.

Additionally, Rubio's trip will follow his address at the Munich Security Conference where Vice President JD Vance criticized the European Union and expressed support for far-right movements in Europe. This context sheds light on the American administration's strategic approach to its relationships with European allies, particularly those aligned with right-wing ideologies. The trip signifies an ongoing shift in US foreign policy under Trump's influence, as it gravitates towards leaders who resonate with right-wing nationalism.

As tensions escalate between the US and the EU, particularly following Trump's controversial remarks about Greenland, Rubio's visit emphasizes the delicate balance of maintaining transatlantic relationships while supporting populist leaders. It raises implications for Europe’s political landscape, especially with elections approaching in Hungary, where Orban’s government is facing significant challenges. The reaction from EU leaders and citizens to this growing American influence is yet to be seen, as the implications of such endorsements may shift public opinion throughout the region.