In the year preceding the recent US presidential election, Donald Trump referenced Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán more frequently than any other European leader, according to a content analysis by the Center for Fundamental Rights. Released on Wednesday, the analysis revealed that Trump cited Orbán 109 times—an average of once every three days—, always in a favourable light, and far more often than leaders like French President Emmanuel Macron or Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.
According to the report, Trump’s remarks during the campaign highlighted Orbán as an example of strong, competent leadership, with descriptors such as ‘strong’, ‘smart’, and ‘powerful’ used frequently. This elevated Trump’s admiration for Orbán well above that of other European heads of state. Macron and Zelenskyy each appeared around 30 times in Trump’s references, though both were ranked below Orbán in Trump’s esteem.
The analysis also highlighted Trump’s shifting rhetoric towards Zelenskyy. While Trump acknowledged Zelenskyy as a capable negotiator and reliable partner in defence matters, he also voiced criticism of the substantial US financial commitments to Ukraine, aligning his remarks with his campaign’s emphasis on concluding the conflict rather than perpetuating it. Trump’s election campaign underscored the need for a diplomatic resolution to the war in Ukraine, viewing it as a core objective of his administration, aligning closely with Hungary’s interests.
‘Trump’s election campaign underscored the need for a diplomatic resolution to the war in Ukraine’
One significant finding was that, in contrast to other European leaders, Orbán not only received positive references but was also characterized as a key ally, especially regarding Trump’s views on the conflict in Ukraine. The analysis noted that Orbán is likely to hold a strategic role in any Trump-led initiatives aimed at achieving peace in the region, potentially benefiting Hungary’s diplomatic influence.
Trump’s interactions with Macron were also generally positive, depicting him as a figure who projects strength. Interestingly, in the ‘rarely referenced’ category, Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni has also received a few mentions, all in a positive context. Other notable European leaders, such as Ursula von der Leyen and Olaf Scholz, were absent from Trump’s references, indicating minimal or negligible prominence within his remarks.
The analysis emphasized that Trump’s focus on Orbán is unlikely to be coincidental. The two leaders reportedly met twice this year, in March and July, to discuss topics of mutual interest. Trump’s regard for Orbán—who supported him in the previous election cycle—may signal a stronger Hungarian–US relationship under Trump’s leadership, especially in areas where Hungary’s geopolitical priorities align closely with Trump’s foreign policy agenda.
The report also suggests that while Trump and Orbán’s connection could be advantageous for Hungary, other European leaders might face challenges in adjusting to the new US administration’s strategic direction. The Center for Fundamental Rights indicated that some European figures, such as Ursula von der Leyen, are now actively seeking rapport with Trump’s team, reflecting a shift in their foreign policy alignment after years of engagement with the previous Democratic administration.
Overall, the analysis positions Orbán as a central figure within Trump’s European focus, with the potential to play an influential role in shaping the US–Hungarian alliance in the years ahead.
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