Rubio Pledges US Support for Orban Ahead of Hungary’s Vote

In a surprising move, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio pledged American support for Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban, ahead of the country's upcoming election in April. Rubio stated that if Hungary ever faced financial difficulties under Orban's leadership, the United States, under President Donald Trump, would be willing to provide assistance. This endorsement of Orban, who has been criticized for his authoritarian tendencies and crackdown on democratic institutions, is seen as an extraordinary move by the US administration. Orban, who has been in power since 2010, has faced international scrutiny for his policies and his relationship with Russia. The article highlights the complex geopolitical dynamics at play, as the US administration appears to be aligning itself with a leader who has been accused of undermining democratic principles, in what may be an effort to maintain influence in the region.