Donald Trump on Tuesday sent his vice-president to back Viktor Orbán’s uphill bid for re-election on a visit to Budapest, five days ahead of Hungary’s closely watched parliamentary election.
JD Vance lavished praise on Orbán, who has become a fixture at Maga events in the US and Europe. “The president loves you and so do I,” Vance said at a joint press conference with the Hungarian leader, who has presided over Hungary’s illiberal turn during his 16 years in office.
Vance later on Tuesday called Trump during a pro-Orbán rally in Budapest. The vice-president held up the phone to a microphone, with Trump telling the crowd: “I love Hungary and I love Viktor. He is a fantastic man. Remember this: He didn’t allow people to storm and invade and ruin your country like others have. He’s kept your country good.”