Meeting Between Trump and Orbán Highlights Energy and Sanction Discussions
Nov, 7 2025
The agenda included topics such as trade, energy cooperation, and the war in Ukraine. Orbán expressed that Hungary aimed to 'open a new chapter' in its bilateral relations with the United States, claiming that progress made during Trump's first term had been undermined by the Biden administration. He characterized Hungary as a 'modern Christian government' and emphasized shared values with the Trump administration, particularly regarding migration and peace initiatives.
When questioned about Hungary's dependence on Russian oil, Trump supported Orbán's position, noting Hungary's geographical limitations that necessitate reliance on Russian crude oil. Orbán highlighted that Hungary's energy needs could not be met by alternative sources, such as the pipeline from Croatia, and sought an exemption from US sanctions on Russian oil companies.
Trump commended Orbán's migration policies, suggesting that other European leaders should acknowledge their effectiveness. Orbán mentioned that Hungary incurs a daily penalty from the European Union for its strict border policies. Trump encouraged European leaders to respect Orbán's approach, noting that migration levels in Hungary were effectively zero.
Regarding the conflict in Ukraine, Trump reiterated his belief that the war 'should never have happened' and suggested that it could have been resolved quickly had he been in office during its onset. Orbán concurred, stating that if Trump had remained president in 2020, the war would not have occurred. Both leaders expressed a commitment to pursuing peace in Ukraine.
Trump also indicated his intention to hold a peace summit in Budapest, reaffirming his openness to meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin when conditions are favorable. When asked about supporting Orbán in Hungary's upcoming elections, Trump expressed his intent to back Orbán, citing strong economic ties and US investments in Hungary.
The meeting included senior Hungarian officials and was followed by further discussions, with details of any agreements expected to be released later.