Washington has sanctioned a top official in the Hungarian government, alleging corruption. Budapest fired back, saying the designation was an act of “personal revenge” by the outgoing Joe Biden administration.
Antal Rogan, a member of Hungarian Prime Minister Victor Orban’s cabinet, was placed under sanctions by the Treasury Department on Tuesday. Acting Under Secretary of the Treasury for Terrorism and Financial Intelligence Bradley T. Smith said, “The United States will not hesitate to hold accountable individuals, like Rogan, who use the power of their office to illicitly enrich themselves and their cronies at the expense of their country and their fellow citizens.”
However, Hungary believes that the corruption is just an excuse as the Biden administration is seeking “personal revenge” against Budapest. Hungarian Foreign Minister Péter Szijjártó said Budapest would take the issue up with Washington after President-elect Donald Trump returns to office later this month.
Orban has proven to be a thorn in the side of the Biden administration’s attempt to have consensus in NATO and the European Union for supporting Ukraine. Budapest has opposed EU loans to Ukraine and sanctions on Russia, and denounced Biden’s decision to let Kiev hit Russia with long-range American missiles.
Additionally, Orban used his position as head of the EU in 2024 to attempt to broker a ceasefire between Russia and Ukraine. He also traveled to Mar-a-Lago to meet with then-candidate Trump.
Orban’s close relationship with Trump may help him lobby for sanctions relief regarding Rogan.
