The tension between the White House and Hungary escalated when National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan supported President Joe Biden’s statement that Prime Minister Viktor Orbán ‘wants a dictatorship.’
Sullivan, however, refrained from categorizing Hungary as a dictatorship under Orbán’s leadership. He advised Fox News reporter Jacqui Heinrich to seek clarification from the Biden campaign. On the other hand, Biden sparked controversy with a NATO ally by publicly criticizing Orbán at campaign rallies in Pennsylvania and Georgia.
This happened just after Orban visited Mar-a-Lago, hosted by his rival, former President Donald Trump. In response, Orbán’s government summoned the U.S. ambassador to address Biden’s comments, with Foreign Minister Péter Szijjártó denouncing them as “lies.”
President’s Statement Stands
Sullivan reaffirmed the president’s stance to The New York Times’ Peter Baker. He said, “Of course, the president stands by his statement. And I’m not walking back his statement.”
ALSO READ: Trump Slams Oscars Host Jimmy Kimmel for Reacting to His Truth Social Posts
When pressed by Heinrich regarding the U.S. government’s position on Hungary’s governance, Sullivan declined to delve further. He said, “I know why you’re asking the question. I’m not going to speak on behalf of the Biden campaign. You should direct those questions to the campaign.”
Biden’s Administration Concerns on Hungary’s Backslide
Continuing, Sullivan elaborated, “What I will say as the Biden administration is that we have made no bones about our deep concerns about Hungary’s assault on democratic institutions. This includes the judiciary, Hungary’s corruption, and other erosion of democracy in Hungary from the leadership there.”
He continued, “That is something we have been deeply concerned about, and we have directly engaged them on. People at this podium and students spoke about it and will continue to do so.” The reporter’s redirection toward the Biden campaign stemmed from President Biden’s remarks about Orban in rally settings.
Orban Meeting at Mar-a-Lago
In a fiery address on Friday, March 8, 2024, in Delaware County, Pennsylvania, Biden criticized Trump for hosting Orbán at Mar-a-Lago. “You know who he’s meeting with today down at Mar-a-Lago? Orbán of Hungary, who has stated that he doesn’t think democracy works and is looking for dictatorship,” the president said.
ALSO READ: Trump vs. Musk: A Debate on Tariffs and Cryptocurrency
Doubling down on his stance, Biden reiterated the point the following day during a campaign stop in Atlanta. Biden expressed dismay at Trump’s hosting of Victor Orbán at his club, Mar-a-Lago, stating, “Yesterday he was hosting at his club Victor Orbán. Who says he doesn’t think democracy works?”
Biden added, “He called him a fantastic leader. Seriously.” The president’s frustration was palpable as he underscored his disapproval of Trump’s praise for Orbán. Turning to Sullivan, Heinrich highlighted the lack of coordination typically expected for foreign policy statements of such significance.
Engagement With the Biden Campaign
Once again, Sullivan redirected her inquiry to the Biden campaign. “Again, it seems like the question you’re asking is really about the campaign. So I think you should direct it to the campaign,” he said. Despite this, Heinrich asked Sullivan to reiterate the U.S.’s position on whether Hungary was a dictatorship.
“I literally just stated what our position is,” Sullivan said, prompting an objection from Heinrich. Sullivan continued, “As I said before, our position is that Hungary has engaged in an assault on democratic institutions. And that remains a source of great concern to us, and I take it from your question that it may be of great concern to you as well.”
When Baker asked if Sullivan’s answer was a walk-back of Biden’s statement, the top national security official said no.
Sullivan’s Stance
Sullivan contended that the White House’s stance “is totally consistent with everything you just said, is documented, and is the exact opposite of a lie.” With conviction, Sullivan emphasized the alignment between their position and the facts presented, highlighting the documentation supporting their assertions.
This assertion was evident throughout the exchange, reinforcing the administration’s steadfastness regarding Hungary’s democratic challenges.
Trump’s Praise for Orban
In a notable endorsement, Trump calls Orban a “Great Leader,” attributing Hungary’s safety to his robust immigration policies. Additionally, Orbán praises Trump’s stance on Ukraine, referring to him as “a man of peace” who won’t fuel the conflict financially. However, Orbán expresses concern over the potential implications of a Biden victory, saying, “That would be bad.”
You Might Also Like:
Muni Long Says She Wrote Rihanna’s “California King Bed” in 10 Minutes
Kate Beckinsale Shares Teary-Eyed Photo From Hospital Bed
Top 5 Garden Diseases Revealed by Experts
Bachelor Joey Graziadei Faces’ Worst-Case Scenario’ in Fantasy Suite Date
13-Year-Old’s Science Project Suggests Archimedes’ Invention Was Plausible
