Trump endorses his friend Viktor Orban, a Putin ally, for reelection in Hungary

President Trump endorsed for reelection Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban, his friend and a close ally of Russian President Vladimir Putin. 

In a lengthy Truth Social post on Friday, Mr. Trump called Mr. Orban “a truly strong and powerful leader” who has been “delivering phenomenal results” for Hungary. 

“Viktor Orban is a true friend, fighter and winner and has my complete and total endorsement for re-election as prime minister of Hungary. He will never let the great people of Hungary Down,” Mr. Trump wrote. 

“He fights tirelessly for, and loves, his Great Country and People, just like I do for the United States of America,” the president continued. “Viktor works hard to Protect Hungary, Grow the Economy, Create Jobs, Promote Trade, Stop Illegal Immigration, and Ensure law and order.

Mr. Trump previously endorsed Mr. Orban in 2020.

Mr. Orban, 62, has held two tenures as prime minister, with the latest starting in 2010.

He has been criticized by many for his ties with Mr. Putin amid the Russia-Ukraine war while opposing the European Union’s plans to admit Ukraine as a member. 

Mr. Orban is in a bitter reelection fight. A new poll from the Idea Institute revealed that his party has fallen behind the opposition party, Tisza, by 10 percentage points.

On Thursday, Peter Magyar, leader of the Tisza Party, said in a video that he believed individuals tied to the Orban government were preparing to release an illicit video of him with his former girlfriend to discredit him. 

The election is set for April 12. 

The Hungarian leader has been a steadfast supporter of Mr. Trump. In 2024, after Mr. Trump was convicted in a hush money trial, Mr. Obran called him “a man of honor” and praised his performance as president. 

Mr. Orban has also supported Mr. Trump’s criticism of the EU on issues ranging from free speech to the economy.