Gallego Slams Rubio for Close Relationship with Hungary, Undermining U.S. interests in Europe

WASHINGTON –Today,Senator Ruben Gallego (D-AZ)slammed the Trump administration for its growing relationship with long-time nationalist Prime Minister Viktor Orbán of Hungary. Gallego’s letter mimics one thatthen-Senator Marco Rubio sentPresident Trump in 2019 denouncing the U.S.’ growing alliance with Hungary.
Vice President JD Vanceplans to visitHungary in the coming days in a show of support for Orbán ahead of next month’s elections, raising concerns about U.S. interference and the administration’s embrace of anti-democratic leaders.
“I write to express my concern about Hungary’s downward democratic trajectory and the implications for U.S. interests in Central Europe,”Senator Gallego wrote in a letter to Secretary of State Marco Rubio mirroring the one Rubio sent Trump in 2019.“In recent years, democracy in Hungary has significantly eroded. Under Prime Minister Orbán, the election process has become less competitive, and the judiciary is increasingly controlled by the state. Press freedom has declined as advertisers have been strongly discouraged from placing ads in independent outlets, and ownership of key outlets has been consolidated under a foundation exempt from antitrust regulation.”
Senator Gallego’s letter calls out Rubio’s hypocrisy inendorsingOrbán while denouncing “Hungary’s downward democratic trajectory and the implications for U.S. interests in Central Europe.”
“When, as a member of the Senate, you joined Senators in expressing these very same concerns about democratic erosion in Hungary, and Hungary’s pro-Russia trajectory it signaled the seriousness with which many in Congress view the alliance between the United States and Hungary,”Senator Gallego wrote.
Senator Gallego also raised concerns about Hungary’s close relationship with Moscow, citing its role in helping Russia evade U.S. sanctions, deepening energy ties, and repeatedly breaking with NATO allies on efforts to hold the Kremlin accountable. He warned that the United States should not appear to support Orbán ahead of the April elections.
“Given these developments, I am disappointed with your decision to contribute to Hungary’s anti-democratic trajectory by overtly campaigning with Prime Minister Orbán,”Senator Gallego concluded.“We stand in solidarity with the Hungarian people and urge you to remain true to democratic values that have undergirded U.S. relations with Central and Eastern Europe since the end of the Cold War.”
Read the full letterHERE.