In Budapest, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio held a meeting with Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban, during which he commended the strong relations between Hungary and the United States. Rubio emphasized that the success of Hungary is intertwined with the success of the United States, underscoring President Trump's commitment to supporting Hungary's prosperity. He noted the close personal relationship between President Trump and Prime Minister Orban, which has yielded positive outcomes for both nations.

Rubio's visit comes at a critical time for Orban as Hungary prepares for parliamentary elections on April 12. Polls indicate that Orban's Fidesz party may be facing a tough challenge from the opposition party led by Peter Magyari. The upcoming elections are significant, as they will determine the future direction of Hungarian politics and the government’s stability. Orban, who has been in power since 2010, briefly acknowledged the uncertain nature of elections, expressing acceptance of the possibility of both winning and losing while assuring that the government will reflect the will of the Hungarian people after the elections.

The meeting reflects ongoing diplomatic efforts by the U.S. to maintain strong alliances in Central and Eastern Europe, particularly in light of challenges posed by Russia. By reinforcing the U.S.-Hungarian relationship during this period, Rubio and the Trump administration aim to bolster Hungary's position in the region and ensure continued cooperation on various geopolitical issues, particularly security and economic interests, while also navigating the internal politics of Hungary's forthcoming elections.