WANA (Jan 30) – U.S. Representative Joe Wilson has sharply criticized Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán for his increasing closeness to Iran, Russia, and China, urging President Donald Trump to bring Orbán closer to the U.S.

 

In a letter to Trump, Wilson, a prominent supporter of the Iranian opposition group MEK and known for his anti-Iran stance, called for the U.S. to distance Orbán from what he described as the “enemies of America.”

 

Wilson acknowledged Orbán’s past as a “freedom fighter” who stood against Soviet communism in the 1990s but claimed that recent years had seen him influenced by foreign policy advisers steering him off course.

 

Wilson specifically highlighted Hungary’s past visits to Tehran and the strong bilateral ties between the two countries. He also criticized Orbán’s administration for deepening Hungary’s relations with China, noting a 2024 friendship treaty signed between the two nations.

 

“Close allies like Israel have strongly opposed Orbán’s decisions, yet Hungary has intensified its relationship with Iran and even complained about sanctions against Tehran,” Wilson wrote.

 

The congressman, who is heavily supported by pro-Israel lobby groups such as AIPAC, also mentioned Hungary’s growing relations with China, pointing to Orbán’s signing of a treaty of friendship last year.

 

Despite these concerns, Wilson expressed confidence in Orbán’s ability to reverse these policies, stating, “Given Orbán’s history as a freedom fighter and an anti-communist, I am confident he can cancel these agreements and adopt a foreign policy that reflects the shared interests of Budapest and Washington.”

 

In his closing remarks, Wilson called on Trump to encourage Orbán to eliminate the influence of Iran, China, and Russia in Hungary and to adopt a policy rejecting the government of Ivanishvili in Georgia, which he claims resulted from fraudulent elections.

 

“Hungary is a key member of both the European Union and NATO, and Orbán is an important leader,” Wilson concluded. “He thinks highly of you, and I am sure he will listen to your views.”