Rubio backs Orban’s bid for another term during visit to Hungary

Mr Orban, who has led Hungary since 2010, is one of Mr Trump’s most vocal supporters in the European Union

Mon, 16 Feb, 2026 - 13:30

Matthew Lee and Justin Spike, Associated Press

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio enthusiastically endorsed Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban’s bid to serve a fifth straight term after upcoming elections in April, emphasising during a visit to Budapest the strong personal relationship between the nationalist leader and US President Donald Trump.

Mr Orban, who has led Hungary since 2010, is one of Mr Trump’s most vocal supporters in the European Union, and has actively curried the US president’s favour leading up to the April 12 vote in which he will face the toughest challenge of his last 16 years in power.