US president Donald Trump has signalled his intention to visit Hungary at the invitation of Prime Minister Viktor Orbán, a move that could carry significant political weight as the country prepares for a closely contested parliamentary election this spring.
“From Washington, with love!”
Orbán shared a letter from Trump on social media, in which the president confirmed he was open to travelling to Hungary and wished the prime minister “the best of luck” ahead of the upcoming election campaign. The message was accompanied by a photo of Trump and a brief caption from Orbán referencing Washington, suggesting warm personal ties between the two leaders.
In the letter, Trump praised what he described as a “golden era” in American–Hungarian relations and expressed interest in strengthening cooperation in areas such as defence policy, energy security and the fight against illegal migration. He also commended Orbán’s leadership, highlighting his emphasis on national sovereignty, family values and faith, which Trump said were principles respected by the United States, reports Euronews.
Strenghtening areas that are important for both sides
“I am honoured by your invitation to visit Hungary,” Trump wrote, adding that his team would be in contact to arrange a suitable date. While no timetable has been confirmed, the potential visit would likely take place during Hungary’s election campaign, a period in which international endorsements may resonate strongly with voters.
The two leaders last met in Washington in November, when Orbán was received by Trump for talks on bilateral relations. During that visit, Hungary reportedly secured a temporary exemption from US secondary tariffs affecting Russian oil exports. At the time, Orbán extended an invitation for Trump to return the visit in Budapest.
Does PM Orbán want to invite Trump so he can look more prominent?
The announcement comes as opinion polls suggest a tight race ahead of the April election. The opposition Tisza party, led by Péter Magyar, has recently been polling ahead of Orbán’s ruling Fidesz–KDNP alliance, increasing the stakes of the campaign.
The letter itself has also drawn attention for some unusual details. Observers noted that it was dated 10 December 2025, raising questions about whether the date was a clerical error, a delayed delivery, or simply a curiosity overlooked before publication. Additionally, Trump addressed Orbán as “Prime Minister of the Republic of Hungary”, despite the country’s official English title having been shortened to “Hungary” more than twelve years ago.
Their relation looks mutually positive
Trump has repeatedly spoken favourably of Orbán in recent years, previously calling him a “great leader” and praising Hungary’s strict stance on migration. His administration has also indicated support for European governments that challenge the current direction of the European Union from within.
If the visit goes ahead, it would mark another high-profile moment in the long-standing political alliance between the two leaders — and one that could have implications well beyond the campaign trail.
A visit from a major international figure, a friend and admirer of Hungary, does matter in this election.
Why?
Because, though 1/3 of Hungary would vote for Fidesz no matter what, and though 1/3 of Hungary would rather be shot dead than ever vote for Fidesz or Mi Hazánk, the reality is that the last 1/3 of Hungary is an uncommitted constituency that votes based on how it is feeling about the country and the leadership in the weeks, days, even hours before casting their votes.
Mother was a Progressive, and, if she had been Hungarian, she would have been one of those who NEVER would have voted for Fidesz or Mi Hazánk.
My daddy, however, a was a businessman who licked his thumb, several times, before an election, and then would decide how to vote.
My daddy did not believe in parties, but policies, and whether they were effective or not.
People in Hungary, who, nowadays, are like my daddy was, will be impressed by how high profile their prime minister is, and how many great friends he has.
I repeat again : Trump, Xi, Putin, and Netanyahu, do NOT want Orbán to lose. Many others, like Fico, Vucic, Weidel, Le Pen, and Meloni and working quietly in the shadows to help their friend.
That said, the best thing Trump can do for his friend is make Hungary large financial gift – just like he did both Argentina and Israel.
The gift, however, ought be given on the premise of Orbán being prime minister.
This financial weight would be a proper and legal counterbalance to the disgusting injustice that has been committed to Hungary, by Bruxelles, by withholding the money due to it, in recent years.
Trump hates Bruxelles, and now is a huge opportunity for him to push them down and rub their noses in it.
‘Money talks and bullshit walks’ … so it was often said by an New York Italian businessman I once worked for.
In other words : you either truly commit your energy behind something or you shut up.
Ah! The approval of Messrs. Xi, Putin, and Netanyahu … What a badge of honor!
I do not think Mr. Trump currently has neither legal authority nor inclination (what if Mr. Orbán would … Lose?) to give gift Hungary, financially. I see it as foreign campaign financing. Politically conditioned cash is exactly the kind of opaque deal-making our Politicians claim to resent in “Brussels!”?
Fact – certain EU funds are frozen because of documented rule-of-law and corruption issues. Transparency and reform would unlock them, however our Politicians appear to see a benefit in an us-versus-them situation.
I should hope we are persuaded by things that really matter such as wages, healthcare, schools, corruption, and long term security. Being active EU and NATO Members sets us up for a much better future than aligning ourselves with the far right persons (including, paradoxically, “War Mongers!” such as Mrs. Meloni) and autocratic rulers that appear to inspire you.
Do I recall something from Fidesz politicians about the evils of foreign influence on Hungary?
Nah, no ones mention for how long does the Russian gas purchase exemption last?
Is it one year (Orbán), or forever (Trump)? which version should we believe? 😂
So the “Dollar Left” foreign influence Hungarians must protect themselves from is now quietly forgotten because now we have the ‘DOLLAR RIGHT’ coming to Hungary to tell Hungarians who they should vote for. How utterly stupid many Hungarians are.
“How utterly stupid many Hungarians are.”
And this, Dear Larry, is exactly why The Hungarian Left, whether you live there or in my country, is never going to be able to get and hold power.
You hold your own very blood in contempt.
Anyone who holds this point of view (The Modern Left in all western countries) is immediately disqualified from what a majority of your fellow countrymen would regard as serious consideration.
Say what you will about either Fidesz or Mi Hazánk : at least they love their own people and country.
My two cents worth… Many Hungarians are not stupid. However, they would benefit greatly from transparent political financing, independent media, and a culture that treats them as adults, not as a crowd to be herded to some leader.