Former US President Donald Trump has indicated he may grant Hungary an exemption from sanctions on Russian oil imports during a cordial bilateral meeting with Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán at the White House on Friday.
Warm Welcome and Mutual Praise
The meeting between the two conservative leaders was marked by evident political alignment as Trump warmly received Orbán, describing him as a "great leader" before their scheduled bilateral lunch. The Hungarian prime minister returned the compliment by criticising the previous Biden administration as "rigged" and praising Trump for improving US-Hungary relations.
"You've improved the bilateral relationship," Orbán stated during opening remarks. "You repaired what was done badly by the previous administration, so now we are in quite a good position to open up a new chapter. Let's say a golden age between the United States and Hungary."
Sanctions Exemption Under Consideration
When questioned about potentially exempting Hungary from secondary sanctions targeting Russia's largest oil companies Rosneft and Lukoil, Trump responded positively. "We're looking at it because it's very difficult for him to get the oil and gas from other areas," Trump explained, highlighting Hungary's geographical limitations.
The former president elaborated on Hungary's energy challenges, noting: "It's a big country, but they don't have sea. They don't have the ports. And so they have a difficult problem." He contrasted Hungary's situation with other European nations that continue purchasing Russian energy despite having alternative options.
According to Bloomberg reports, Orbán was prepared to offer commitments to purchase US liquefied natural gas and nuclear fuel as incentives for securing the sanctions exemption.
Immigration Policies and EU Tensions
Trump strongly endorsed Orbán's hardline immigration stance, urging European leaders to show greater respect to the Hungarian leader. "I think they should respect Hungary and respect this leader very, very strongly because he's been right on immigration," Trump asserted while seated beside Orbán.
The former president made unfounded claims linking migrants to increased crime, stating: "Look what's happened to Europe with the immigration. They have people flooding Europe." He added in racially charged terms that some European countries had become "unrecognisable" due to immigration policies, while praising Hungary for remaining "very recognisable."
Orbán defended his government's position against EU financial penalties imposed for defying bloc policies, describing the situation as "the absurd world we are living in now in Europe." He emphasised his administration's unique standing as "the only government in Europe which considers itself as a Christian government" while characterising others as "liberal leftist governments."
Broader Political Implications
The meeting carried significant geopolitical weight, particularly regarding Orbán's expressed desire to resurrect plans for a summit between Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin that he claims could help resolve the Ukraine conflict. Orbán's detractors within the European Union have labelled him the Kremlin's "trojan horse" due to his perceived closeness to Putin.
Hungarian sources revealed to the Guardian that Orbán is seeking a visit from Trump to Budapest to bolster his political standing ahead of competitive upcoming elections.
The bilateral discussion served as a litmus test for new energy sanctions against Russian oil companies that continue exporting energy products to Hungary and Slovakia. Hungary has consistently argued for exemption from these measures, claiming lack of viable alternative oil sources.
