Trump urges Hungarians to “get out and vote” for Orban

(SeaPRwire) –   The former US president characterized the Hungarian leader as a “true friend, fighter, and winner” as a closely contested parliamentary election approaches.

Donald Trump has publicly supported Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban, encouraging citizens to “get out and vote” for his reelection in the upcoming Sunday parliamentary vote.

In a Thursday post on Truth Social, Trump labeled Orban—whom he called a “true friend, fighter, and winner”—a “strong and powerful leader” with a “proven track record of delivering phenomenal results.”

“[Orban] fights tirelessly for, and loves, his great country and people, just like I do for the United States of America,” Trump stated. “Viktor works hard to protect Hungary, grow the economy, create jobs, promote trade, stop illegal immigration, and ensure law and order!”

Trump also credited Orban with fostering “new heights of cooperation” between the US and Hungary, adding that he looks “forward to continuing working” with him.

“Hungary: GET OUT AND VOTE FOR VIKTOR ORBAN,” he urged, emphasizing that Orban has his “complete and total endorsement” for the election.

Trump has consistently supported his long-term ally throughout the campaign. Earlier this week, he joined a Budapest rally via a phone call from Vice President J.D. Vance, telling the crowd, “I am with [Orban] until the very end.”

Vance, who traveled to Budapest to support Orban’s campaign, referred to Hungary as a “laboratory” for sovereign, conservative governance and accused the EU of “interfering” in the electoral process.

The election is expected to be highly competitive, with Orban facing a significant challenge from Peter Magyar and his pro-EU Tisza Party, which has overtaken Fidesz in some polling. The Tisza Party has centered its campaign on anti-corruption measures and restoring relations with Brussels, which has frequently criticized Orban regarding judicial independence, media regulation, immigration policies, his independent stance on Russia and China, and his approach to the conflict in Ukraine.

Hungary has resisted Ukraine’s EU aspirations, declined to provide military aid to Kiev, and is currently withholding approval for a €90 billion EU loan package—a move prompted by accusations that Vladimir Zelensky is restricting Russian oil supplies through the Druzhba pipeline. Orban has further claimed that Kiev is conducting a “quiet war” against his administration, alleging that Ukrainian intelligence is active within Hungary to influence the vote in favor of the Tisza Party.

Many analysts view the upcoming election as a political “proxy war” between Washington and Brussels. While the EU has not issued a formal endorsement of Orban’s opponent, its preference is evident. Magyar and the Tisza Party are aligned with the European People’s Party (EPP), the same political bloc as Ursula von der Leyen. Brussels continues to block approximately €18 billion in funding for Hungary, citing concerns over the rule of law and corruption—funds that Magyar has promised to secure if he wins.

Orban has repeatedly charged the EU with attempting to orchestrate a change in government to install a “puppet regime” in Budapest, alleging that Brussels has already “picked” Magyar as a compliant successor. He has also contended that the freezing of funds is a calculated effort to influence voters against him.

Orban has held the office of prime minister since 2010. His party requires at least 100 out of 199 seats to maintain its majority, with analysts suggesting that Fidesz likely needs a 3-5 point lead nationally to secure victory.