Trump praises 'respected' Hungary PM Orbán
13 May 2019
Donald Trump has praised Viktor Orban during the Hungarian prime minister's visit to the White House. At a press conference, the US president said Mr Orban was "respected all over Europe" and had "kept [Hungary] safe". The conservative Hungarian premier is a controversial figure over his stances on immigration, press freedom and Russia. Critics of the visit, including some Republicans, argue that Mr Orban has eroded democracy in Hungary. US officials say the two leaders had a private meeting aimed at strengthening American "re-engagement" in central Europe, and to negotiate trade deals in arms and energy. Orban's spokesman, Zoltan Kovacs, said in a statement that both countries have "much that keeps us close", including "Nato, security co-operation, energy security, migration, pro-family policies, and the protection of our Judeo-Christian heritage". Mr Orban is a divisive figure in European politics and has been criticised for moves to consolidate power and curb the power of the judiciary and media. Like Mr Trump, he is tough on immigration. Critics also worry about his desire to strengthen Hungary's ties with Russia. He has been shunned by US presidents in the past. He first visited in 2001 during his initial term as prime minister, but was refused a meeting with President Bush. In a joint letter, several Democrat lawmakers condemned the visit, saying Mr Orban "represents so many things that are antithetical to core American values". Speaking to reporters, Mr Trump said: "I know he's a tough man, but he's a respected man, and he's done the right thing, according to many people, on immigration." Mr Orban, in response, said Hungary was "proud to stand together" with the US "on fighting illegal migration, on terrorism and protecting Christian communities all around the world".
US officials say the two leaders had a private meeting aimed at strengthening American "re-engagement" in central Europe, and to negotiate trade deals in arms and energy. Orban's spokesman, Zoltan Kovacs, said in a statement that both countries have "much that keeps us close", including "Nato, security co-operation, energy security, migration, pro-family policies, and the protection of our Judeo-Christian heritage".
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Why is Orban visiting?
Mr Orban is a divisive figure in European politics and has been criticised for moves to consolidate power and curb the power of the judiciary and media. Like Mr Trump, he is tough on immigration. Critics also worry about his desire to strengthen Hungary's ties with Russia. He has been shunned by US presidents in the past. He first visited in 2001 during his initial term as prime minister, but was refused a meeting with President Bush. In a joint letter, several Democrat lawmakers condemned the visit, saying Mr Orban "represents so many things that are antithetical to core American values".
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Why is the visit controversial?
Speaking to reporters, Mr Trump said: "I know he's a tough man, but he's a respected man, and he's done the right thing, according to many people, on immigration." Mr Orban, in response, said Hungary was "proud to stand together" with the US "on fighting illegal migration, on terrorism and protecting Christian communities all around the world".
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What did Trump and Orban say?