LIVE: US’s Vance and Hungary’s Orban hold joint press conference

Brussels accused of election interference

Vance condemned EU bureaucrats for attempting to destroy Hungary's economy and manipulate its upcoming election because they oppose Orbán's leadership, calling it one of the worst examples of foreign interference he has ever witnessed.

US backs Hungarian sovereignty

The Vice President emphasized the Trump-Orbán relationship as a defense of Hungarian sovereignty against Brussels' overreach, stating he visited to signal support for Orbán against bureaucrats who "treat them like children."

Opposition to digital censorship

Vance criticized EU attempts to pressure social media companies regarding information available to Hungarian voters, asserting that sovereign citizens should access election content without distant bureaucrats controlling their information.

Orbán's energy model praised

Vance described Orbán as Europe's "most profound leader" on energy security, crediting his diversification strategy with keeping Hungarian energy prices far lower than Western European nations currently facing crisis.

Critique of Western energy failures

Vance argued that European leaders planted the seeds of the current conflict by cutting off eastern energy supplies, a mistake that weakened Ukraine and strengthened Russia while Hungary maintained stability through independent policies.

Expanding economic cooperation

The Vice President highlighted accelerated US investment in Hungarian technology, artificial intelligence, and manufacturing sectors that has deepened under the Trump administration's leadership.

Trump-Orbán peace leadership

Vance credited Donald Trump and Viktor Orbán as the two global leaders who have done the most to end the Russia-Ukraine war through sustained diplomacy rather than politicians "beating their chests" while others' children fight.

Budapest proposed for peace summit

Vance suggested Hungary as the ideal venue for a potential peace summit, citing its "real statesmanship" and constructive role in helping Washington understand what both Ukrainians and Russians need to achieve peace.

Ukrainian interference confirmed

The Vice President confirmed US awareness that elements within Ukrainian intelligence services attempted to influence both American and Hungarian elections, including campaigning with US Democrats before the 2024 presidential election.

Rejection of continued escalation

Vance framed the choice as between continued war "feeding young men into this terrible, terrible war" and serious diplomacy, arguing European economies cannot sustain skyrocketing energy prices and military costs.

Shared moral framework

Vance defined the US-Hungary partnership as a defense of Western civilization founded on Christian values, free speech, rule of law, respect for minority rights, and protection of the vulnerable.

Anti-indoctrination stance

The Vice President emphasized the shared priority that children should be educated in schools rather than subjected to ideological indoctrination, framing this as a core value uniting both administrations.

Family affordability focus

Vance highlighted the alliance's commitment to ensuring European and American families can afford basic necessities like heating, cooling, and transportation amid economic pressures created by failed policies.