Trump committed to Orban's success in Hungary, Rubio says

U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio told a Budapest news conference that President Trump is committed to Viktor Orban's success and that Washington could provide financial help if needed; Hungary holds a parliamentary election on April 12.

U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio spoke at a news conference in Budapest and described strong ties between the United States and Hungary. He said President Trump is committed to Viktor Orban's success and framed that as aligned with U.S. interests. Rubio used the phrase "golden era" to describe bilateral relations and indicated Washington could help Hungary financially if needed. The remarks came ahead of a parliamentary election on April 12 that the article says will be keenly contested. Key facts: - Rubio said in Budapest that President Trump is "deeply committed" to Viktor Orban's success because it serves U.S. interests. - Rubio described U.S.-Hungary relations as entering a "golden era" and suggested Washington could provide financial assistance if circumstances required it. - The article notes Trump publicly endorsed Orban and has supported other conservative leaders internationally. - Hungary is scheduled to hold a parliamentary election on April 12, described as Orban's biggest challenge since his party came to power in 2010. - The report says Hungary's economy has struggled since inflation rose after Russia's February 2022 invasion of Ukraine, and that Orban's measures to boost growth have increased the budget deficit and inflation risks. - EU institutions have accused Orban and Slovakian Prime Minister Robert Fico of weakening judicial, media and anti-corruption standards; those leaders reject the accusations. Summary: Rubio framed close U.S.-Hungary relations around Orban's leadership and linked American support to his continued role. The comments underline a diplomatic focus on Hungary as it approaches the April 12 election. The broader political effect on Europe and transatlantic ties is noted in the article. What follows next is the parliamentary vote on April 12.