US Sanctions Orbán’s Chief of Staff Over Corruption Allegations

In a rare move against a NATO ally, the United States has imposed sanctions on Antal Rogán, the chief of staff to Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán, citing allegations of corruption. The US Department of State announced the decision on Tuesday, marking Rogán as the highest-ranking Hunga

The US Treasury Department accused Rogán of orchestrating a nationwide system of corruption. A key figure in Orbán’s administration, Rogán oversees state-owned media and elements of Hungary's intelligence services. He is also alleged to have leveraged his roles to control strategic sectors of the Hungarian economy for personal and political gain.

"Minister Rogán has played a central role in enabling a system in Hungary that has benefitted himself and his party at the expense of the Hungarian people," the US Department of State said in a statement. "We urge Hungary’s leaders to address corruption proactively, unequivocally, and decisively. A more transparent Hungary will contribute to a stronger transatlantic alliance and a more prosperous Europe."

The sanctions, issued under the Global Magnitsky Act, freeze any US-based assets Rogán may hold and bar American entities, including financial institutions, from conducting business with him. While the designation can be reversed by the incoming administration, such a process requires a detailed review, according to the Treasury Department.

Diplomatic Fallout
The announcement comes as outgoing US Ambassador to Hungary David Pressman prepares to leave Budapest. Pressman, who has been a vocal critic of Orbán’s government during his tenure, described Rogán as a "primary architect, implementer, and beneficiary" of systemic corruption in Hungary.

Hungarian Foreign Minister Péter Szijjártó dismissed the sanctions as a politically motivated act of vengeance by Pressman. "This is the personal revenge of an ambassador sent by the failed US administration to Hungary, who leaves without success and in disgrace," Szijjártó wrote in a Facebook post. He expressed optimism about improved relations under the incoming Trump administration, saying, "In a few days, the United States will be led by people who see our country as a friend and not as an enemy."

A Deepening Rift
The move underscores the strain in US-Hungary relations, which have deteriorated sharply under the Biden administration. Orbán’s close ties to Russia and China, combined with allegations of democratic backsliding, have drawn criticism from Washington. However, Orbán has fostered a close relationship with former President Donald Trump, who has praised the Hungarian leader as a "strong role model."

The sanctions listing comes just days before Trump’s return to the White House. While some observers speculate that the incoming administration may review or reverse the designation, others see the move as a symbolic gesture underscoring the outgoing administration’s disapproval of Orbán’s governance.

Divided Reactions
Former US Ambassador to Hungary David Cornstein criticized the sanctions, calling them an example of "hostile posturing" by the current administration. He echoed sentiments from Orbán’s camp that the decision reflects lingering tensions between Hungary and the Biden administration.

For now, the designation leaves Rogán isolated on the international stage, with his financial dealings under scrutiny and his role as a central figure in Orbán’s government cast into doubt. How the incoming US administration navigates this thorny issue could shape the next chapter in US-Hungary relations.