U.S. Vice President J.D. Vance traveled to Budapest on April 7th to publicly support Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán before upcoming elections.
Vance Supports Orbán Before Hungarian Elections
J.D. Vance met with Prime Minister Viktor Orbán in Budapest on Tuesday, April 7th, holding a joint press conference. Orbán expressed gratitude that “the USA is an ally” of Hungary and stated that a “golden era” between the two countries began with the election of Donald Trump as U.S. president.
Orbán noted the exchange of experiences regarding governance, specifically in areas of migration, gender ideology, family policy, and global security.
Orbán as a “Model” for Europe
Vance stated that Viktor Orbán was “definitely the most influential European leader on the issue of energy security and independence.” He suggested that Western European leaders should follow Orbán’s policies, arguing it would lessen the severity of the current energy crisis.
Vance expressed his desire for Europe to be more successful.
“Moral Cooperation” Between the U.S. and Hungary
The U.S. Vice President explained his visit was due to the “moral cooperation” between the two countries. He asserted that under Orbán and Trump, the nations jointly represent the “defense of Western civilization.”
Vance specified this defense includes the idea that children should be educated, not indoctrinated, and upholding the Christian values that underpin concepts like freedom of speech, the rule of law, minority rights, and the protection of the vulnerable.
He lamented the lack of individuals willing to defend Western civilization, stating Orbán is a rare exception, which is why he traveled to Budapest.
Joint Defense of “Western Civilization”
Vance and Orbán jointly framed their collaboration as a defense of shared values, including traditional education and Christian principles. Vance criticized what he described as attempts to suppress citizens by EU bureaucrats who disagree with Orbán’s leadership.
