In a groundbreaking speech delivered in Budapest on Thursday, the US ambassador to Hungary, David Pressman, strongly criticized Prime Minister Viktor Orbán's controversial foreign policy and accused the Hungarian government of corruption and undermining independent institutions. Pressman highlighted the dangerous anti-American messaging emanating from Budapest and expressed concern over Hungary's deepening relationship with Russia.

Pressman condemned the Hungarian national assembly speaker's assertion that the conflict in Ukraine is led by the United States and Orbán's labeling of the US as a "top adversary" of Hungary. The US ambassador categorically denied the baseless claim that the United States seeks to overthrow the Hungarian government.

While acknowledging that the Orbán administration may hope to wait out the US government, Ambassador Pressman made it clear that the United States will not sit idly by. He reiterated that while Hungary hesitates, the United States will take appropriate action. This statement underscores the deteriorating relations between the two countries in recent years, primarily due to concerns over Russian influence and Hungary's delay in Sweden's accession to NATO.

Pressman's speech, delivered on the 25th anniversary of Hungary's NATO membership, represents a significant turning point in Budapest's deviation from western alliances and democratic principles. The visit of Prime Minister Orbán to the US, where he met with President Donald Trump, further strained relations. Orbán's endorsement of Trump and his assurance that the president would end the war in Ukraine drew criticism from Democratic presidential nominee Joe Biden, who labeled Orbán's intentions as a desire to build a "dictatorship."

The Hungarian foreign ministry summoned Ambassador Pressman after Biden's comments, and in response, Pressman indirectly addressed Orbán's activities during his US visit. He criticized Orbán for publicly calling for the political defeat of the US president and taking part in partisan political events, despite baselessly claiming that the United States aims to overthrow his government.

Pressman also expressed concern over Hungary's expanding ties with Russia, citing the foreign minister's frequent trips to Moscow and Orbán's meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin in China. The ambassador warned of the potential consequences of Hungary's policy choices, which could jeopardize collective security interests shared with the United States.

The ambassador emphasized that the United States desires a positive relationship with Hungary and will continue to engage with the government. Nevertheless, Pressman cautioned that the Hungarian government's anti-American rhetoric and policies risk altering the country's relationship with America. He also raised concerns about the erosion of democracy in Hungary, highlighting favoritism towards companies owned by party leaders, the labeling of independent media and NGOs as opposition and partisans, and the questioning of judges who voice dissenting opinions.

Pressman acknowledged that such a speech is highly unusual in the context of allied countries. However, given the circumstances, he affirmed that the United States would take action rather than simply engaging in dialogue and collaboration.

The US ambassador's address signals a significant shift in the US-Hungary relationship, with Washington expressing its resolve to respond to Hungary's anti-American messaging and its growing closeness with Russia. The ramifications of these tensions could have profound implications for bilateral ties between the two nations.