Hungary’s Orban calls for disclosure of U.S. funding to NGOs and media

Hungary is set to implement measures to ensure transparency regarding all aid funding from the United States directed towards NGOs and media that are critical of the government, as stated by Prime Minister Viktor Orban during a state radio interview on Friday, in reference to USAID programs.

Orban, who is aligned with former President Donald Trump, indicated that the time has come to “eliminate these foreign networks,” particularly as the Trump administration is contemplating a significant restructuring that would integrate the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) into the State Department, thereby aligning its funding with the “America First” agenda.

“In America, we would refer to them as agents, as they do not serve their own nation but accept funds from an external power… We do not label them as agents… but these individuals and organizations are financed from abroad with the objective of destabilizing the Hungarian government,” Orban remarked.

The Hungarian nationalist leader, who is preparing for elections in early 2026, asserted that those receiving foreign funds should face “legal consequences” and be marginalized, as they represent a threat to Hungary’s sovereignty.

Having been in power since 2010, Orban enacted a law in late 2023 establishing the Sovereignty Protection Office, tasked with investigating and monitoring potential political interference risks. This legislation, which has drawn criticism from the European Union, the United States, and various international organizations, prohibits foreign funding for political parties or groups participating in elections and imposes penalties of up to three years in prison.

The European Commission initiated an infringement procedure regarding the law in February 2024, highlighting concerns that it could jeopardize the democratic values and fundamental rights upheld by the union.