Full interview: Balázs Orbán, political director for Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán
Watch Margaret Brennan's full interview with Balázs Orbán, Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán's political director, on February 21, 2025.
Viktor Orban
Orbán's political director on Trump and more
Many well-known figures in conservative politics are delivering remarks at this year's CPAC, and not all are from the U.S. Balázs Orbán, political director and adviser to Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán, took the stage Thursday and later spoke with CBS News chief foreign affairs correspondent and "Face the Nation" moderator Margaret Brennan about the growing alliance between U.S. and Hungary conservatives.
Waltz: Orbán "clearly has a good relationship with Trump"
Rep. Michael Waltz (R-FL), selected by Donald Trump to be the national security adviser in the new administration, tells "Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan" that far-right Hungarian leader Viktor Orbán "clearly has a good relationship" with the president-elect and that will be key to ending the war in Ukraine.
Inside Viktor Orbán's not-so-secret mission to elect Trump
Beyond the close public relationship between former President Donald Trump and Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán is what sources have described as frequent exchanges delving deeply into political and governing strategy.
What JD Vance has said about U.S. foreign policy
Here's a look at what Ohio Senator JD Vance, former President Trump's running mate, has said about some of the major international issues they would have to deal with if they win in November.
Hungary's far right PM Viktor Orbán visits Trump after NATO summit
Hungary's nationalist prime minister, Viktor Orbán, traveled to Florida and met with former President Donald Trump following the NATO summit in Washington.
Full interview: Orbán's political director
Watch Margaret Brennan's full interview with Balázs Orbán, Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán's political director, on July 11, 2024
Viktor Orbán's political director on Ukraine
As world leaders depart the NATO summit in Washington, D.C., Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán will stop Thursday night at Mar-a-Lago to meet with former President Donald Trump. The problematic NATO ally has also become an icon within certain factions of the American conservative movement. His political director, Balázs Orbán, spoke with CBS News' Margaret Brennan ahead of the meeting.
Wait continues for Trump VP announcement
Donald Trump's pick for a running mate could be announced at any moment with Sen. Tim Scott, Gov. Doug Burgum, Sen. J.D. Vance and Sen. Marco Rubio seemingly the finalists for the role. CBS News campaign reporter Olivia Rinaldi has more on that and the visit Trump is having with Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban.
Trump meeting with Hungary's Viktor Orban
Former President Donald Trump is expected to host Hungary's Viktor Orban at Mar-a-Lago Thursday, Bloomberg reports, less than a week after the Hungarian prime minister met with Russian President Vladimir Putin. Orban has also held recent meetings with Chinese President Xi Jinping and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. CBS News campaign reporter Olivia Rinaldi has more.
Stoltenberg: Orbán's visit to Moscow does not change NATO's position
NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg tells "Face the Nation" that although far-right Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán recently visited Moscow, "that doesn't change the common decisions" the alliance has made regarding Ukraine. "The reality is that we are able to make decisions on how we are going to step up our support to Ukraine because we all want peace" Stoltenberg said.
Trump allies encourage visits with foreign leaders at Mar-a-Lago before election
Trump's allies are encouraging foreign countries to send emissaries to Mar-a-Lago to reconnect ahead of another potential Trump stint in the White House, sources confirmed.
How world leaders are viewing 2024 U.S. race
World leaders are watching the 2024 U.S. presidential race closely. The results could have a significant impact on the direction of American foreign policy. CBS News chief foreign affairs correspondent and "Face the Nation" moderator Margaret Brennan joins with analysis.
Hungary clears way for Sweden to join NATO
Hungary's parliament voted Monday to ratify Sweden's bid to join NATO, clearing the way for the Nordic country to become the 32nd member of the military alliance. Charles Kupchan, senior fellow with the Council on Foreign Relations, joins CBS News to examine what led to NATO's expansion.
Sweden clears final hurdle to join NATO as Hungary approves bid
Hungary's parliament has ratified Sweden's bid to join NATO, bringing an end to more than 18 months of delays that have frustrated the alliance as it seeks to expand in response to Russia's war in Ukraine.
Hungary's president resigns after pardoning man convicted in child abuse case
Hungary's conservative President, Katalin Novák, has resigned amid public outcry over a pardon she granted to a man convicted as an accomplice in a child sexual abuse case.
Why Hungary hasn't ratified Sweden's NATO bid
Sweden wants to join NATO and only one country stands in its way. Charles Kupchan, senior fellow at the Council on Foreign Relations, joins CBS News to discuss why Hungary has yet to ratify Sweden's membership — and what another NATO ally means for the U.S.
Hungary blocks EU's Ukraine aid package
Thursday night, Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban blocked a European Union vote on a $54 billion aid package for Ukraine. The move came after leaders agreed to officially begin negotiations for Ukraine to join the European Union. BBC News reporter Sofia Bettiza has the details on the vote. And former U.S. ambassador to Ukraine William Taylor joined CBS News to discuss the relationship between Orban and Russia's Vladimir Putin.
A New Conservative Alliance | CBS Reports
A segment of American conservatives has found inspiration in the success of the conservative cultural movement in Hungary. CPAC, the American Conservative Political Action Committee, is extolling President Viktor Orban's anti-LGBTQ and nativist policies as the way forward for the United States. CBS Reports explores what the emerging alliance means for some U.S. conservatives' vision for America.
Orbán declares at CPAC "a Christian politician cannot be racist"
He recently faced a backlash over remarks he made in July, in which he said Hungarians "do not want to become peoples of mixed race."
CPAC kicks off annual gathering
CPAC begins today in Dallas, drawing leading conservatives from across the country and across the Atlantic. CBS News' Robert Costa is joined on "Red and Blue" by Washington Post national political correspondent David Weigel.
Hungary's Orban tells CPAC: "We need to coordinate the movement" of allies
CBS News was one of a small number of western outlets allowed access to the conference.
An inside look at CPAC's European debut
CPAC is partnering with a government that is backsliding on democracy and holding its first European conference in Hungary. Included in the lineup of conservative speakers is Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban. CBS News Correspondent Adam Yamaguchi is one of the only western journalists who has gained access to the conference. He joins "CBS News Mornings" to share his first-hand experience attending, and the response he has seen following a controversial speech from Prime Minister Orban.
Hungary's nationalist, pro-Putin PM Orban wins 4th term
The margin of victory was unexpectedly large. The campaign was under a cloud from the Ukraine war, with Orban allowing many Ukrainian refugees into Hungary but striking a neutral and even anti-Ukrainian tone at times.
Education Department cutting nearly 50% of workforce
The Department of Education said staff affected by the job cuts would be placed on leave starting Friday, March 21.
Trump won't double Canadian tariffs after Ontario suspends electricity surcharge
There has been quite a bit of tariff whiplash on Tuesday between the U.S. and Canada.
Ukraine willing to accept 30-day ceasefire with Russia as U.S. lifts aid freeze
Ukraine said it would accept a 30-day ceasefire with Russia after talks with the U.S. in Saudi Arabia on Tuesday.
House passes funding bill, sending it to Senate before shutdown deadline
The House narrowly approved a stopgap measure Tuesday to keep the government funded through September.
New safety actions taken in wake of D.C. midair collision
The NTSB issued its preliminary report on the midair collision between a passenger plane and helicopter over Washington, D.C., in January.
Ship captain arrested on suspicion of manslaughter over collision with tanker
Humberside Police said the 59-year-old captain of container ship Solong was detained "on suspicion of gross negligence manslaughter in connection with the collision."
Dow loses nearly 500 points in another day of tariff uncertainty
Wall Street extends losses as investors are whipsawed by back-and-forth with Canada amid President Trump's trade war.
USAID staff instructed to clear out classified safes and shred or burn documents
"Shred as many documents first, and reserve the burn bags for when the shredder becomes unavailable or needs a break," the email reads.
Federal judge halts Louisiana's first nitrogen gas execution
A federal judge halted Louisiana from immediately moving forward with the state's nitrogen gas execution of death row inmate Jessie Hoffman Jr.
U.S.
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SpaceX rocket carrying NASA's newest space telescope launches from California
The $488 million Spherex mission aims to explain how galaxies formed and evolved over billions of years, and how the universe expanded so fast in its first moments.
Fire lab scientist says we're not doing enough to prevent more wildfires
Mark Finney studies the science behind wildfires for a living. He believes we're not heeding lessons of the past.
Ship captain arrested on suspicion of manslaughter over collision with tanker
Humberside Police said the 59-year-old captain of container ship Solong was detained "on suspicion of gross negligence manslaughter in connection with the collision."
Federal judge halts Louisiana's first nitrogen gas execution
A federal judge halted Louisiana from immediately moving forward with the state's nitrogen gas execution of death row inmate Jessie Hoffman Jr.
Lutnick says Trump's policies are "worth it" even if they lead to recession
The president's tariff announcements have rocked the stock markets and fueled concerns of an economic downturn.
MoneyWatch
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Lutnick says Trump's policies are "worth it" even if they lead to recession
The president's tariff announcements have rocked the stock markets and fueled concerns of an economic downturn.
Thinking of rolling over your old 401(k) into an IRA? Here's how.
If deciding what to do with an old 401(k) plan has been on your to-do list, here are the key steps you should take to get it done.
Key inflation data set to be released tomorrow. Here's what to expect.
Consumer Price Index data on Wednesday will give Americans, and the Federal Reserve, another readout on inflation.
USDA cancels $1 billion in local meal funding for schools and food banks
The USDA said it is promoting wiser government spending, but schools say it will make it tougher to serve healthy meals.
Exclusive
Airbus investigating corrosion issues on some of its passenger jets
Corrosion issues have been found on what Airbus calls a "limited population" of its A220 passenger jets, including some operated by U.S. airlines.
Politics
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Lutnick says Trump's policies are "worth it" even if they lead to recession
The president's tariff announcements have rocked the stock markets and fueled concerns of an economic downturn.
Education Department cutting nearly 50% of workforce
The Department of Education said staff affected by the job cuts would be placed on leave starting Friday, March 21.
Judges raise concerns about threats to independence amid GOP criticism
Elon Musk has accused some federal judges of being "evil" and said they should be fired after issuing preliminary decisions against the Trump administration.
USAID staff instructed to clear out classified safes and shred or burn documents
"Shred as many documents first, and reserve the burn bags for when the shredder becomes unavailable or needs a break," the email reads.
Sen. Mark Kelly says Elon Musk is "not a serious guy"
Elon Musk called Sen. Mark Kelly a "traitor" after the Arizona Democrat posted on X about his recent trip to Ukraine.
HealthWatch
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HealthWatch
Breaking down food additive safety
As concerns over food additives grow, Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. met with top food executives to discuss stricter regulations under his "Make America Healthy Again" agenda. A recent poll shows 58% of Americans want the Trump administration to prioritize limiting chemicals in the food supply. KFF Health News senior correspondent David Hilzenrath joins us to break down the risks and regulations.
Riddle Hospital president encourages more women to join her field
Women are a large component of the overall health care industry, but make up only 14% of hospital CEO roles.
More hospitals treating patients at home to reduce overcrowding
There are more than 380 approved hospital-at-home programs in 39 states.
Americans are spending more and more time at home
COVID-19 spurred more Americans to stay home. But this trend didn't start or end with the pandemic, research shows.
Gun-violence prevention programs may be caught in federal funding crossfire
Hospital-based violence intervention programs have operated in the U.S. since the mid-1990s, but recent moves by the Trump White House are raising anxiety about the programs' future.
World
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Ship captain arrested on suspicion of manslaughter over collision with tanker
Humberside Police said the 59-year-old captain of container ship Solong was detained "on suspicion of gross negligence manslaughter in connection with the collision."
Ukraine willing to accept 30-day ceasefire with Russia as U.S. lifts aid freeze
Ukraine said it would accept a 30-day ceasefire with Russia after talks with the U.S. in Saudi Arabia on Tuesday.
How bad could the North Sea tanker collision be for the environment?
An environmental group in the U.K. says the North Sea tanker collision could become a "disaster in really important protected areas."
Annual report reveals most polluted cities around the world
The countries with the worst air quality included Bangladesh and India, according to an annual report from IQAir.
Surfer attacked by shark in Australia is presumed dead, police say
A body has not been recovered after a surfer was attacked by a shark off the coast of Australia. Police say drone footage that captured the aftermath of the incident.
Entertainment
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Oprah Winfrey names "The Tell" as latest book club selection
"The Tell" author Amy Griffin shares how revealing childhood trauma helped her heal.
Washington Post columnist quits after critical op-ed on Bezos is killed
Ruth Marcus, a longtime op-ed writer for the Washington Post, quit on Monday after, she said, her column criticizing owner Jeff Bezos was killed by publisher.
Tabitha Brown on new children's book
Social media sensation Tabitha Brown, known for her viral vegan cooking videos, is expanding her reach once again. She is now releasing a new children's book, "Hello There, Sunshine," inspired by her own childhood.
Oprah Winfrey's new book club pick
In an exclusive reveal on "CBS Mornings," Oprah Winfrey names "The Tell" by Amy Griffin as her latest book club selection. The memoir details Griffin's experience with psychedelic-assisted therapy, which led to the shocking discovery of hidden childhood trauma. Oprah and Griffin join us to discuss the book.
"CBS Mornings" reading group discussion guide for "The Tell"
Dive deeper into "The Tell," Oprah's latest book club selection, with the "CBS Mornings" reading group discussion guide.
Technology
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Technology
What kind of jobs will be impacted by AI?
Last week, online furniture retailer Wayfair announced it would increase its use of generative artificial intelligence and cut 340 tech jobs. It reflects an increase in businesses and companies opting to cut back human tasks in favor of the new technology. Mark Muro, senior fellow and policy director at the Metropolitan Policy Program at the Brookings Institution, joins "The Daily Report" to discuss.
Big Tech's big bet on nuclear power to fuel artificial intelligence
Faced with the need to cut carbon emissions, and an increasing energy demand to power AI, companies like Microsoft, Google and Amazon are investing in nuclear, from restarting Three Mile Island, to creating "small modular reactors."
How AI powered robots are helping small farms
From labor shortages to environmental impacts, farmers are looking to AI to help revolutionize the agriculture industry. One California startup, Farm-ng, is tapping into the power of AI and robotics to perform a wide range of tasks, including seeding, weeding and harvesting.
Iconic Volkswagen microbus gets electric revival
Today marks 75 years since Volkswagen first began manufacturing its beetle-based "bus." For those of a certain generation, the microbus is one of the most recognizable and beloved vehicles to ever roll down the road. Carter Evans reports that some are charged up about a revival.
Robots build full-scale 3D-printed homes in a day
California company "Azure Printed Homes" wants its 3D printing technology to help speed up the wildfire recovery efforts in the Los Angeles area. Its robots can print full-scale homes in 24 hours. Danya Bacchus reports.
Science
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Athena moon lander ended up on its side, bringing mission to an early end
Intuitive Machines says its Athena lunar lander was unable to recharge its batteries while resting on its side, bringing the moon mission to an early end.
22% of butterflies in U.S. disappeared in 2 decades, study finds
A study, published Thursday in the journal Science, found that 22% of butterflies in the United States disappeared between 2000 and 2020.
Scientists create "woolly mouse"
Scientists at a Dallas-based biotech company has unveiled a genetically engineered woolly mouse that they hope is a step toward eventually bringing back the wooly mammoth. The results haven't yet been published or vetted by independent scientists.
How "asteroid detectives" protect Earth
NASA was recently tracking a large asteroid, known as the "city killer," after finding a small chance of it hitting Earth in 2032. NASA says it "no longer poses a significant threat" in an analysis, but it's not the only space rock astronomers are monitoring. Kris Van Cleave shows how "asteroid detectives" and "planetary defenders" are trying to protect Earth from a potential disaster.
Moon lander from Intuitive Machines touches down, but apparently tips over
Intuitive Machines' Athena moon lander is "alive," but it's not yet known what mission objectives can still be met.
Crime
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Federal judge halts Louisiana's first nitrogen gas execution
A federal judge halted Louisiana from immediately moving forward with the state's nitrogen gas execution of death row inmate Jessie Hoffman Jr.
2 more Louisiana fraternity members arrested in alleged hazing death
Baton Rouge police on Tuesday announced the arrests of 25-year-old Kyle Thurman and 28-year-old Isaiah Smith. They were both charged with criminal hazing.
Man arrested for alleged flight assault
A Texas man has been arrested by the FBI for an alleged assault against multiple people on an American Airlines flight exactly five weeks after another American Airlines flight crashed while traveling the same route. CBS News Department of Justice reporter Jake Rosen has more.
Man accused of killing Hadiya Pendleton to stay in jail as he awaits new trial
Micheail Ward's conviction was thrown out, after an appeals court ruled detectives violated his constitutional rights during his interrogation.
Fitbit murder case conviction upheld despite improprieties by prosecutor
Police said Richard Dabate gave them information that conflicted with data on his wife's Fitbit, which showed she was moving around an hour after the time Dabate said she was shot.
Space
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SpaceX rocket carrying NASA's newest space telescope launches from California
The $488 million Spherex mission aims to explain how galaxies formed and evolved over billions of years, and how the universe expanded so fast in its first moments.
What to know about March's full "Blood Worm Moon," a total lunar eclipse
Viewers across North America will get to enjoy a full Blood Worm Moon during a total lunar eclipse on March 13 into March 14.
Athena moon lander ended up on its side, bringing mission to an early end
Intuitive Machines says its Athena lunar lander was unable to recharge its batteries while resting on its side, bringing the moon mission to an early end.
U.S. spaceplane deorbits after secret mission and lands in California
The U.S. Space Force said in a news release that the craft had "accomplished a range of test and experimentation objectives."
SpaceX test flight fails after launch
A SpaceX rocket broke apart during its eighth test flight that took off from Texas on Thursday. It's the second time something like this has happened this year. CBS News' Mark Strassmann has more on concerns over putting humans back on the moon.
Latest Galleries
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Notable Deaths in 2025
A look back at the esteemed personalities who've left us this year, who'd touched us with their innovation, creativity and humanity.
The Scott Peterson case: New evidence?
Peterson's death sentence for the murder of his pregnant wife Laci has been overturned. Now his supporters are pushing for a complete retrial.
The troubled marriage of Ashley and Doug Benefield
The seesaw marriage between the former ballerina and her much older husband only lasted four years, until she shot him on Sept. 27, 2020.
Texas couple investigates teen daughter's unusual death
Cayley Mandadi's mother and stepfather go to extreme lengths to prove her death was no accident.
Serial killer Rodney Alcala's secret photos
See some of convicted serial killer Rodney Alcala's photographs that were discovered by detectives in a Seattle storage locker.
Latest CBS News Videos
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Latest CBS News Videos
FBI joins search for missing college student
The FBI is joining the search for a 20-year-old American college student who went missing in the Dominican Republic. Sudiksha Konanki was last seen on March 6 in a popular tourist area. CBS News national correspondent Manuel Bojorquez reports on the search efforts.
"Animal spirits" and the stock market
When the market crashed earlier this week, a White House adviser said, "We're seeing a strong divergence between animal spirits of the stock market and what we're actually seeing unfold from businesses." But what does the "animal spirits" remark mean, and how is it evolving? John Dickerson explains.
What's next for Ukraine and Russia
The pressure to end Russia's war on Ukraine now shifts to Moscow, after the U.S. and a Ukrainian delegation agreed to a proposed ceasefire deal. Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced the framework of the 30-day pause after a more than 8-hour meeting in Saudi Arabia. Charles Kupchan, senior fellow at the Council on Foreign Relations, joins to discuss.
FBI joins search for student in Dominican Republic
An American college student has been missing in the Dominican Republic for nearly a week. She was last seen heading to the beach in the spring break destination town of Punta Cana. Manuel Bojorquez reports.
ICU doctor reunites with COVID patient
In March of 2020, Sal Mazzara spent weeks on a ventilator and suffered a cardiac arrest after contracting COVID-19. It was the earliest days of the pandemic and New York City Dr. Sanam Ahmed remembers the sudden deluge of patients. Bradley Blackburn has the story on reminding others what it took to survive and support each other.