JD Vance Accuses EU of Election Interference While Backing Viktor Orbán in Hungary
US Vice President JD Vance accused the European Union of election interference during his visit to Hungary, where he openly backed Prime Minister Viktor Orbán's re-election bid. Vance called EU actions against Orbán "one of the worst examples of foreign election interference" he has ever seen.
Vice President JD Vance launched a fierce attack on the European Union Tuesday while visiting Budapest to support Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán's re-election campaign. Speaking to reporters after landing in Hungary, Vance accused the EU of "disgraceful" foreign interference in Sunday's Hungarian election.
Vance said he wants to "help as much as I can possibly help" to get Orbán re-elected, marking an unusual direct endorsement by a US official in a foreign election. The vice president called EU actions against Hungary's government "one of the worst examples of foreign election interference" he has seen.
The visit centers around what Vance called "Hungarian-American friendship day." He is expected to address the conservative Mathias Corvinus Collegium Wednesday morning. Following talks with Orbán, Vance also criticized Ukraine alongside his EU attacks.
The EU has clashed with Orbán's government over democratic backsliding concerns and rule of law issues. Brussels has withheld billions in funding from Hungary over these disputes, which Vance now frames as election meddling.
This marks a sharp break from traditional US diplomacy, where American leaders typically avoid taking sides in allied nations' elections. The comments could strain US relations with the EU while Hungary's election on Sunday could reshape European politics.
Hungary holds its key election this Sunday. Vance continues his Budapest visit with a speech Wednesday morning.
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