McConnell Criticizes Republican Support for Hungary’s Orbán, Warns of Ties with U.S. Adversaries

Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell criticized Republican admiration for Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán, warning about Hungary’s growing ties with adversaries like Russia, China, and Iran. McConnell cautioned that such relationships undermine U.S. and European efforts to address global challenges, especially regarding Russia’s actions in Ukraine.

“Hungary’s leaders aren’t cozying up to Moscow, Beijing and Tehran in private. They’re doing it publicly and vocally as well,” said Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell on the Senate floor Wednesday. | Francis Chung/POLITICO via AP Images

McConnell Criticizes Republican Support for Orbán

Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell addressed the Senate on Wednesday, where he voiced concern over growing Republican support for Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán. McConnell emphasized that Orbán’s leadership has moved Hungary closer to adversaries of the West, particularly Russia, China, and Iran. He stressed that Hungary’s actions are not in secret but openly defy Western alliances.

Growing Cult of Personality Around Orbán

McConnell specifically targeted Republicans who have shown admiration for Orbán, noting that this “cult of personality” has developed due to Orbán’s conservative stances on immigration, LGBTQ+ rights, and abortion. He warned that this admiration ignores the deeper geopolitical consequences of Hungary’s actions. McConnell also pointed out that former President Donald Trump has met with Orbán several times and praised him publicly.

Hungary’s Ties with Russia, China, and Iran

McConnell detailed Hungary’s increasing cooperation with adversarial nations, including China, Russia, and Iran. He highlighted Hungary’s refusal to support Ukraine in its war against Russia, blocking European Union military aid to Ukraine earlier in the year. He also criticized Hungary’s financial relationships with China and Iran, including its investment in joint nuclear projects with Tehran.

America’s Leaders Must Not Bow to Autocrats

The Senate minority leader concluded by urging American leaders not to praise autocrats like Orbán. He argued that supporting leaders who align with America’s adversaries weakens the country’s global standing and undermines efforts to promote democracy and counter aggression from nations like Russia.

Subscribe to our newsletter