US Leader’s Travel Plans Raise Eyebrows Before Big Vote in Hungary

A top American official is set to land in Budapest just days before Hungarians head to the polls. The trip by the US vice president follows a pattern: Washington has lately backed Hungary’s longtime leader ahead of tight elections. Polls show the prime minister slipping behind a rival who argues for tighter ties with the European Union and closer support for Ukraine. This visit could still shift if the war in the Middle East takes a sudden turn. Behind the scenes, sources say plans remain flexible until the last moment. The timing matters because Hungary’s economy has taken a beating. Energy costs have jumped, and many voters feel the pinch. Earlier this year another US figure visited Budapest to stand by the prime minister, calling him a bulwark of conservative values in Europe.The prime minister and Washington share a strong bond, often clashing with Brussels over issues like Ukraine. While the European Union pushes for weapons shipments to Kyiv, Budapest keeps its distance and says Kyiv will never become an EU member. The US president recently posted praise online, calling the leader a leader with “real strength. ” Then came another post urging Hungarians to cast their ballots for the same politician.