According to the NSS draft, Italy, Austria, Poland, and Hungary are countries that the US should “work more with… with the goal of pulling them away” from the EU. Hungary’s name on the list is the least surprising, as Viktor Orbán and Donald Trump remain close allies (source: https://www.dw.com/en/will-trump-pull-italy-austria-poland-hungary-from-eu/a-75134777 )
On February 6, Trump backed Orbán ahead of Hungary’s election. (source: https://www.politico.eu/article/donald-trump-throws-support-behind-viktor-orban-hungary-election-approach/ )
Next week, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio will travel to Hungary to “bolster shared bilateral and regional interests.” The Trump administration supports those who are seen as ideological allies and those who can weaken Brussels.
The trip comes as tensions continue to rise between the US and the EU. First, there was Vice President JD Vance’s controversial speech at the Munich Security Conference in 2025. After that, Trump mused about seizing Greenland.
If Orbán loses the election, how will it affect the US and the EU? Will it be a blow to Trump and US authority? Will Trump attempt to ensure Orbán’s victory? What do you think the consequences might be?