Tensions Escalate Between U.S. and Hungary after Address by U.S. Ambassador

In a forthright address, U.S. Ambassador David Pressman sharply criticized Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán for actions he described as detrimental to the trust between the United States and Hungary. The Ambassador's speech, delivered in Budapest, marked a significant moment in the increasingly strained relations between the two nations, accusing the Hungarian government of corruption, suppressing dissent, and compromising the independence of media outlets.

Ambassador Pressman's remarks come at a time when U.S. concerns over Hungary's deepening ties with Russia and its obstructionist stance on Sweden's NATO membership application are at an all-time high. Highlighting the gravity of the situation, Pressman stated, "This speech addresses the concerning actions and rhetoric of a nation we consider a friend and ally, actions that have eroded the foundation of our trust and cooperation."
The speech also responded to Hungary's antagonistic stance toward the U.S., with Pressman commenting on alarming claims made by Hungarian officials, including assertions that the U.S. is leading the conflict in Ukraine and targeting Hungary as a prime adversary. “This speech is about a longtime friend and ally saying and doing things that undermine trust and friendship,” Pressman said, referring to Hungary. “We cannot ignore it when the speaker of Hungary’s national assembly asserts that Putin’s war in Ukraine is actually ‘led by the United States’.
"Such accusations are not only baseless but threaten the very fabric of our alliance," Pressman added, emphasizing the U.S. commitment to addressing these challenges head-on rather than waiting for a change in Hungary's administration.
Marking 25 years since Hungary joined NATO, the Ambassador's address underscored the country's departure from Western alliances and democratic values over the past 14 years under Orbán's leadership. The deteriorating U.S.-Hungary relationship was further exemplified by Orbán's recent U.S. visit and his interactions with former President Donald Trump, sparking critical remarks from President Joe Biden about Hungary's authoritarian tendencies. Hungary’s foreign ministry summoned Pressman after President Biden’s comment.
Pressman did not shy away from criticizing Orbán's engagement in U.S. politics and Hungary's endorsement of political candidates globally, while condemning foreign interference domestically. "The leadership of any nation should be determined by its people alone, without external influence," Pressman asserted, calling attention to Hungary's contradictory actions.
The Ambassador was explicit about the concerns surrounding Hungary's growing rapport with Russia, indicating that Hungary's allies, including the U.S., are alarmed by its implications for collective security interests. "Hungary's choice to deepen its relationship with Russia, especially in the current geopolitical climate, necessitates a reassessment of how we safeguard our shared security interests," Pressman stated.
In closing, Pressman did not mince words about the impact of Hungary's government actions and rhetoric on its relationship with the U.S., while still expressing hope for improved ties. "The path Hungary has chosen, characterized by unfounded anti-American sentiment and actions that undermine democratic institutions, poses a significant risk to our bilateral relationship," he said.
Pressman acknowledged the unusual nature of his speech.
“No doubt you’ve noticed at this point that we do not ordinarily give speeches like this in other allied countries,” the ambassador said. “With other allies we engage, we collaborate, we work together, even where we have differences. Here, that doesn’t work – until we act.”