Donald Trump’s high expectations for PM Orbán: Buy American arms and gas, curb Chinese deals
Since Donald Trump’s return to the U.S. presidency, Hungarian-American relations have entered a new phase, marked by both high-level dialogue and clear American expectations for Hungary’s economic and geopolitical orientation. According to sources close to both governments, Trump’s administration has placed a strong emphasis on tangible economic cooperation, surprising some in the Hungarian government who did not anticipate such a transactional approach from Washington.
Direct demands: arms, energy, and China
Following Trump’s November election victory, he and Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán have maintained regular contact, with Trump reportedly seeking Orbán’s insights on Russia’s war capabilities and the prospects for peace in Ukraine. However, beyond strategic discussions, Trump’s administration has made it clear that Hungary is expected to increase its purchases of American-made weapons and liquefied natural gas (LNG). Additionally, Washington has signaled that Hungary should scale back its business ties with China, particularly in sensitive sectors, Szabad Európa reports.
Economic agreements and diplomatic realities
Hungarian officials, including Foreign Minister Péter Szijjártó, have confirmed that negotiations are underway for a new bilateral economic agreement with the United States. The Hungarian side is eager to attract American investment, such as the establishment of a weapons factory, but U.S. officials remain cautious. Trump’s broader policy of encouraging American companies to reshore operations complicates the prospect of major new U.S. investments in Hungary, Szabad Európa writes based on multiple sources.
Despite the positive rhetoric, Hungarian sources acknowledge that, in the grand scheme of U.S.-China rivalry, Hungary’s influence is limited. One government insider noted that while Hungary seeks to maintain strong ties with both Washington and Beijing, the current period is one of power posturing between Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping. There is a belief in Budapest that any eventual U.S.-China agreement will likely come at Europe’s expense.
A transactional relationship
The Hungarian government remains optimistic about finalising a trade deal with the U.S., potentially as early as the summer, which could provide an opportunity for Orbán to visit Washington. However, officials recognise that Hungary’s leverage is modest, and that the Trump administration’s expectations—buying American arms and gas, and reducing Chinese business—are clear prerequisites for deeper cooperation.
As it seems, the new era of Hungarian-American relations under Trump is defined by explicit economic and strategic demands from Washington, with Hungary navigating a delicate balance between its Western alliances and its longstanding ties to China.
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