The Globalist Viktor Orbán at the White House: can Hungary’s PM avoid the bear in the room?
Nov 7, 2025
In this lively discussion, Lily Takac delves into Viktor Orbán's precarious meeting with Trump, highlighting his hopes to sidestep discussions on Russian oil. Matthew Levitt evaluates Hamas's diminished standing post-conflict and the potential for its resurgence. Julia Jen shares insights on Ukraine's new European-gauge railway amidst ongoing war challenges, while Colin Davidson discusses his artistic journey in portraiture. Andrew Muller brings humor with his satirical take on the week’s major events, rounding out a rich exploration of current global affairs.
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Orban Seeks Oil Exemption From Trump
- Viktor Orbán seeks a US carve-out to keep buying Russian oil ahead of Hungary's elections.
- Lily Takac warns the cost and concessions for such an exemption remain unclear to Hungarian taxpayers.
Personal Ties Over Institutional Relations
- Orbán trades in symbolic strongman diplomacy more than institutional US–Hungary ties.
- Takac says photo-ops and personal friendship with Trump drive political gains more than policy wins.
Narrative Shift Blames Ukraine Not Russia
- Orbán frames the war as a Ukrainian problem to justify ties with Russia.
- Takac notes Hungarian media push a narrative that Ukraine resists peace talks, aiding Orbán's stance.
