Budapest, Hungary – U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio endorsed Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán’s bid for a fifth consecutive term during a visit to Budapest on Monday, February 16, 2026, emphasizing the strong personal relationship between Orbán and U.S. President Donald Trump. The endorsement came as the two nations signed a civilian nuclear cooperation agreement.
Rubio stated that President Trump is “deeply committed to your success” and that Orbán’s leadership is “essential” to U.S. National interests, according to statements made during a joint news conference. He characterized the burgeoning relationship between the two countries as entering a “golden era,” attributing this to the close rapport between the two leaders. “I don’t think it is any mystery…how the president feels about you, how he interacted with you in his first term as president and now in his second term as president that relationship has grown even closer,” Rubio said.
The U.S.-Hungary Intergovernmental Agreement on Civil Nuclear Cooperation, signed by Rubio and Hungarian Foreign Minister Péter Szijjártó, was heralded by President Trump. Details of the agreement were not immediately disclosed, but officials indicated it would foster collaboration in the peaceful use of nuclear technology.
Orbán, who has been in power since 2010, acknowledged the possibility of losing the upcoming April elections, stating, “Sometimes I lose, sometimes I win.” He assured Rubio that Hungary continues to support U.S. Peace efforts in Ukraine and remains open to hosting a potential peace summit.
Rubio’s visit is part of a broader diplomatic effort to bolster ties with key allies in Central Europe. The trip followed a pattern of engagement with leaders considered aligned with the Trump administration’s foreign policy objectives. The Secretary of State’s visit occurred as Orbán faces a competitive election, with polls indicating a tight race.
The State Department has not commented on whether Rubio’s endorsement represents a departure from traditional U.S. Policy of non-interference in foreign elections. No statement has been released regarding the potential implications of the election outcome for U.S.-Hungary relations.
