Hungary’s Orban Praises Trump’s Strategy, Says It Recognises Europe’s Deep Decline

Post by : Saif Nasser

Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban has voiced strong support for the new National Security Strategy released by U.S. President Donald Trump’s administration. In a message posted on X on Thursday, Orban said the document shows that the United States clearly understands what he calls Europe’s “civilisation-scale decline.” His praise stands out sharply at a time when the strategy has caused surprise and concern across much of Europe.

A Strategy That Shook Europe but Pleased Orban

The strategy paper, published last week, outlines how the U.S. views global threats and future partnerships. It states that Europe is at risk of “civilizational erasure” and must change direction. While many European leaders reacted with worry or criticism, Orban described the strategy as “the most important and most interesting document of recent years.”

For Orban, this strategy confirms something he has been saying for a long time — that Europe is facing serious problems related to its economy, values, and political stability.

Orban’s Argument: Europe Has Hit an ‘Economic Dead End’

According to Orban, the U.S. document shows Washington now sees Europe the same way he does. He argues that the continent’s economy is weakening, that its democratic systems are under strain, and that the free-market model is struggling.

Orban has often challenged the European Union’s direction, accusing its leaders of ignoring major social and economic issues. His government promotes a more nationalist approach, claiming that Europe needs to protect its identity and rethink its alliances.

A Call for Rebuilding Ties With Russia

Another part of the strategy that Orban highlighted is the idea that Europe should rebuild its relationship with Russia “at a strategic level.” This view stands in sharp contrast with many European governments, which support sanctions against Moscow due to the conflict in Ukraine.

Orban, however, has maintained strong ties with the Kremlin. He has frequently criticised EU sanctions, saying they harm European economies more than Russia. His support for reconnecting with Moscow is consistent with his long-running foreign policy approach.

A Leader Who Often Stands Apart in Europe

Orban’s comments show once again how far he is willing to go to align himself with Trump’s worldview. He said that America now understands the decline “we in Hungary have been fighting against for fifteen years.” For Orban, Trump’s strategy signals that Hungary is no longer isolated in its criticism of Europe’s direction.

Last month, Hungary received a one-year exemption from U.S. sanctions on Russian oil and gas. This decision came after what was described as a warm meeting between Orban and Trump in Washington. The exemption strengthens Orban’s argument that his close relationship with the U.S. president benefits Hungary.

A Growing Divide in Europe

While Orban celebrates the strategy, many European leaders worry about it. They fear it could weaken the transatlantic partnership and increase tensions within Europe, especially between countries that want to stay firmly aligned with the United States and those, like Hungary, that support rebuilding ties with Russia.

The coming months will show whether Trump’s strategy leads to real changes in U.S.-Europe relations, or whether it remains a political statement. But for now, Orban has made it clear that he sees the document as a major moment — and one that supports the path he has chosen for Hungary.