Tucker Carlson Praises Hungary, Vows Return After Interview with PM Orbán

Budapest, Hungary – Prominent American media personality Tucker Carlson has publicly lauded Hungary and its Prime Minister, Viktor Orbán, following a recent visit, expressing gratitude for the hospitality received and promising a future return. Carlson, known for his conservative commentary, shared his positive experience on social media, stating, "Hungary is a beautiful country and I was treated with incredible hospitality and kindness. It was an honor to speak to your people and visit your country. I'll be back. @PM_ViktorOrban." This sentiment follows his August 2023 interview with Prime Minister Orbán, which was featured on Carlson's program on X (formerly Twitter).

Carlson's August 2023 visit marked his second high-profile trip to Hungary, where he conducted an extensive interview with Prime Minister Orbán from the opulent terrace of Orbán's office in Budapest. During their conversation, Orbán asserted that the only path to ending the conflict in Ukraine would be the re-election of former U.S. President Donald Trump. The Hungarian leader also criticized the Biden administration's approach to the war and condemned the multiple indictments against Trump as a misuse of government power.

This latest visit builds on Carlson's earlier trip in 2021, when he broadcast his Fox News show from Budapest for a week, extensively praising Hungary's conservative policies, including its border control measures and "pro-family" initiatives. His admiration for Orbán's governance has positioned Hungary as a model for right-wing populism in the United States. Critics, however, often point to concerns regarding democratic backsliding and human rights under Orbán's leadership.

Carlson's continued engagement with Hungary and Prime Minister Orbán highlights a growing alliance between certain segments of the American conservative movement and Hungary's nationalist government. These visits and interviews serve to amplify Orbán's political messages to a global audience, reinforcing his image as a leader championing traditional values and strong national sovereignty. The promise of a return visit suggests a sustained interest in this political alignment.