Vance tries to boosts ailing MAGA ally ahead of Hungary election

HungaryVance tries to boosts ailing MAGA ally ahead of Hungary electionThe U.S. vice president was the star attraction at a rally for Viktor Orbán, the Hungarian prime minister who is trailing in the polls days before Sunday’s vote.Listen to this article with a free account00:0000:00Add NBC News to GoogleVance stumps for authoritarian leader Viktor Orban ahead of Hungary’s national election04:06Get more newsLiveonShareAdd NBC News to GoogleApril 8, 2026, 7:18 AM EDTBy Alexander SmithBUDAPEST, Hungary — Vice President JD Vance repeatedly said he didn’t come to Hungary to tell people how to vote in their looming election.Subscribe to read this story ad-free Get unlimited access to ad-free articles and exclusive content.That changed during the barnstorming finale of his speech in Budapest late Tuesday.“Will you stand for sovereignty and democracy, for truth and for the God of our forefathers?” Vance asked the Hungarian voters, cheered on by a standing ovation and whoops reverberating around the city’s MTK Sportpark arena. “Then, my friends, go to the polls this weekend, stand with Viktor Orbán, because he stands for you, and he stands for all these things.”Vance flew to Hungary ostensibly to celebrate a “Hungarian-American friendship day.” In effect, he was the star attraction at a rally for Orbán, the Hungarian prime minister and a MAGA favorite, who is trailing in the polls days before Sunday’s nationwide election.Vice President J.D. Vance and Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán greet supporters on Tuesday.Janos Kummer / Getty ImagesVance and Orbán.Jonathan Ernst / Pool via AFP - Getty ImagesOrbán’s challenger is Peter Magyar, who was once a member of Orbán’s Fidesz party but now accuses the incumbent of rampant corruption. If polls are accurate, Magyar’s Tisza party is poised to assume power in the parliamentary vote.Taking a break from talks to end the Iran war, Vance arrived in the midst of a febrile campaign. He said the U.S. would work with whoever wins, befor...