US Secretary of State Marco Rubio's recent trip to Europe included meetings with Hungary's Prime Minister Viktor Orban and Slovakia's Prime Minister Robert Fico. Both leaders are noted for their Eurosceptic views and alignment with Donald Trump's conservative nationalist policies. This visit marks a notable shift in U.S. foreign policy, as it showcases a willingness to engage with leaders who share similar political ideologies, something traditional U.S. administrations have typically avoided.

Kethevane Gorjestani, FRANCE 24's International Affairs Editor, highlighted that this is an unusual approach for a U.S. president or Secretary of State, as it breaks with the long-standing precedent of refraining from intervening in foreign domestic politics. The Trump administration's endorsement of foreign leaders who resonate with its nationalist agenda could be perceived as an attempt to bolster like-minded regimes in the face of European Union challenges.

This meeting could have significant implications for the future of transatlantic relations and the EU's internal dynamics. With rising Euroscepticism and the ongoing struggle between nationalist governments and the European Commission, the U.S. support for leaders like Orban and Fico might embolden anti-EU sentiments and reshape the political landscape in Europe, further complicating diplomatic relations between the U.S. and the EU.