EU is meddling in Hungary's poll: Vance

US Vice President JD Vance lashed out on Tuesday at what he called "disgraceful" European Union interference in Hungary's election, even as he openly endorsed Prime Minister Viktor Orban, a close ally of both President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin, days before the vote.

Vance's visit to Budapest came ahead of Sunday's election, which independent public opinion polls show Orban is likely to lose. The trip -- and the rare endorsement by a sitting US official -- underscored how crucial Trump deems the veteran Hungarian nationalist's reelection.

The visit broke with the norms of prior US presidential administrations of not openly campaigning in foreign elections, especially for a government that has maintained close ties with Putin. It was not immediately clear whether Vance's public support would strengthen Orban's candidacy.

Nonetheless, the trip cast Vance in what has become a familiar role - scolding Brussels at a time of increasing transatlantic tension over Trump's war on Iran, criticism of Ukraine, threats to withdraw from the NATO alliance and stated desire to take control of Greenland from Denmark.

"What has happened in the midst of this election campaign is one of the worst examples of foreign election interference that I've ever seen or ever even read about," Vance told a press conference.

"The bureaucrats in Brussels have tried to destroy the economy of Hungary. They have tried to make Hungary less energy-independent. They have tried to drive up costs for Hungarian consumers, and they've done it all because they hate this guy (Orban)."

Since Russia invaded Ukraine, the European Union has tried to drastically cut its use of Russian oil and gas, a shift Budapest has staunchly resisted.

A European Commission spokesperson said, "Going back to importing from Russia - a greatly unreliable supplier that is waging an atrocious war against Ukraine - would be a strategic mistake."

"Elections are the sole choice of the citizens," the spokesperson added.

Vance has previously drawn criticism in Europe, notably with a 2025 speech in Munich that accused many of the continent's governments of censoring free speech and failing to control immigration.

Vance's visit drew a warning about "foreign interference" in Hungary from Orban's challenger, Peter Magyar, whose centre-right Tisza party is tipped by independent pollsters to defeat Orban's Fidesz.