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.
Trump's auto tariffs draw rebukes, concern from U.S. trading partners
Reaction to Trump's 25% auto tariffs include neighbors who insist "there shouldn't be any tariffs," to adversaries who say nobody will win a trade war.
Elise Stefanik's nomination to be U.N. ambassador withdrawn
No Senate confirmation hearing had been scheduled for U.N. ambassador nominee Elise Stefanik, a congresswoman from New York.
Rubio says 300 student visas have been revoked
The comments come amid two high-profile detentions by ICE of a Tufts University student and a University of Alabama student.
Waltz's Venmo showed his contacts — even after report on Signal chat
White House chief of staff Susie Wiles was among the contacts listed in Waltz's Venmo account.
Americans' economic outlook a bit more pessimistic, CBS News poll finds
Prices continue to be the dominant factor in how Americans evaluate the economy.
Trump administration to shrink federal health agencies by 20,000 employees
The Trump administration plans to shrink the workforce of the Department of Health and Human Services as part of a major restructuring.
Selena Quintanilla's killer, Yolanda Saldívar, denied parole
Yolanda Saldívar was denied parole, the Texas Board of Pardons and Paroles confirmed in a statement posted to its webpage.
Want to avoid costly environmental regulations? Just email the EPA.
The EPA announced that it would speed up the process by which industry can bypass provisions of the Clean Air Act by emailing President Trump.
Tourist sub sinks off Egypt's Red Sea coast, killing 6, officials say
Egyptian officials say a submarine tourist vessel with 45 passengers and 5 crew sank off the country's popular Red Sea coast, killing at least six people.
U.S.
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Want to avoid costly environmental regulations? Just email the EPA.
The EPA announced that it would speed up the process by which industry can bypass provisions of the Clean Air Act by emailing President Trump.
Trump's tariffs won't just raise car prices, but insurances rates, experts say
President Trump's newly announced 25% tariffs on all vehicles and auto parts imported into the U.S. is set to take effect April 2.
Tesla arson suspect charged in Las Vegas "targeted attack," police say
Las Vegas police arrested 36-year-old Paul Hyon Kim in connection with a "targeted attack" where he allegedly damaged at least five Tesla vehicles.
Which automakers are most susceptible to Trump's 25% car tariffs?
These automakers are the most and least exposed to President Trump's sweeping tariffs on automobiles.
U.S. economy is facing a long-term slowdown, CBO report says
Weak population gains and higher government spending could hamper growth over the next 30 years, the CBO said Thursday.
MoneyWatch
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Trump's tariffs won't just raise car prices, but insurances rates, experts say
President Trump's newly announced 25% tariffs on all vehicles and auto parts imported into the U.S. is set to take effect April 2.
Which automakers are most susceptible to Trump's 25% car tariffs?
These automakers are the most and least exposed to President Trump's sweeping tariffs on automobiles.
U.S. economy is facing a long-term slowdown, CBO report says
Weak population gains and higher government spending could hamper growth over the next 30 years, the CBO said Thursday.
Americans' economic outlook a bit more pessimistic, CBS News poll finds
Prices continue to be the dominant factor in how Americans evaluate the economy.
What tariffs are Trump planning for April 2, or "liberation day"?
Here's what to know about tariffs ahead of President Trump's plans to announce new import duties on April 2.
Politics
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Trump's tariffs won't just raise car prices, but insurances rates, experts say
President Trump's newly announced 25% tariffs on all vehicles and auto parts imported into the U.S. is set to take effect April 2.
Rubio says 300 student visas have been revoked
The comments come amid two more high-profile detentions by ICE of a Tufts University student and a University of Alabama student.
Canada launches anti-tariff billboards in multiple U.S. states
Billboards such as those spotted in the Metro Detroit area this week read, "Tariffs are a tax on your grocery bill."
Americans' economic outlook a bit more pessimistic, CBS News poll finds
Prices continue to be the dominant factor in how Americans evaluate the economy.
Trump hasn't asked Waltz to resign, but Signal chat is "still a hot potato," official says
The Trump administration is still monitoring the fallout from the disclosure of attack plans, as a watchdog inquiry looms.
HealthWatch
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Kansas reports measles outbreak with 23 cases
23 measles cases have been confirmed in Kansas, marking an outbreak for the state, according to local health officials.
Trump administration to shrink federal health agencies by 20,000 employees
Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy will cut 3,500 jobs from the Food and Drug Administration and 2,400 from Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Their physical therapy coverage ran out before they could walk again
Health plans limit physical or occupational therapy sessions to as few as 20 a year, no matter the patient's infirmities.
Proposed foreign aid cuts could lead to millions of HIV deaths, study says
A new study shows how cuts to foreign aid could lead to millions of HIV/AIDS deaths and soaring rates of infections, undoing decades of progress against the virus.
What food dye bans mean for your health and the food in your fridge
West Virginia is banning seven artificial food dyes, including Red No. 40, in the most sweeping state level food dye ban in the U.S.
World
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Canada launches anti-tariff billboards in multiple U.S. states
Billboards such as those spotted in the Metro Detroit area this week read, "Tariffs are a tax on your grocery bill."
5 injured, including 2 Americans, in stabbing attack in Amsterdam
Authorities said that no motive had been established for the stabbing attack in Amsterdam that injured five people.
Trump's auto tariffs draw rebukes, concern from U.S. trading partners
Reaction to Trump's 25% auto tariffs include neighbors who insist "there shouldn't be any tariffs," to adversaries who say nobody will win a trade war.
Turkey criticized for detaining journalists amid nationwide protests
Turkish authorities detained and deported BBC correspondent Mark Lowen and arrested other journalists amid the largest nationwide protests in a decade.
France, U.K. lead charge to keep Europe united behind Ukraine
European leaders meet again to discuss Ukraine's security, and their own, with Trump pulling back and Russia "playing games."
Entertainment
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Sundance Film Festival moving to Boulder
The iconic Sundance Film Festival will be moving from Park City, Utah to Boulder, Colorado, starting in 2027, the festival and the Colorado Governor's Office announced on Thursday.
William Shatner offers Gayle King advice before women-led space flight
William Shatner, who became the oldest person to travel to space at age 90, is offering encouragement and practical advice to Gayle King and the all-female crew launching April 14.
John Grisham reveals new novel
Best-selling author John Grisham joins CBS Mornings to debut his 52nd book, "The Widow," which is his first-ever mystery. Grisham opens up about writing a new kind of story, the twist that changed the ending, and the inspiration behind a book that's already making headlines.
Lady Gaga announces Mayhem tour for 2025. Here are details.
Lady Gaga announced her 2025 tour dates on social media Wednesday, writing, "See you soon, monsters."
"Note to Self": Singer Lea Salonga
In a special Women's History Month edition of "Note to Self," Tony Award-winning actress and Disney legend Lea Salonga writes a heartfelt letter to her 17-year-old self—revisiting her journey from the Philippines to Broadway and the legacy she unknowingly built for the next generation of Asian performers.
Technology
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Technology
Growing demand to power AI, cryptocurrency
As cryptocurrency and artificial intelligence advancements are made, U.S. demand for the energy needed to power massive mining and data centers grows. David Turk, former deputy secretary of the U.S. Department of Energy, joins "The Daily Report" to discuss how much energy the U.S. needs and the potential environmental impacts.
Waltz's Venmo showed his contacts — even after bombshell report on Signal chat
White House chief of staff Susie Wiles was among the contacts listed in Waltz's Venmo account.
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.
Lawsuit against OpenAI over newspaper copyright can proceed, judge rules
Several newspapers have sued OpenAI and Microsoft, seeking to end the practice of using their stories to train artificial intelligence chatbots.
What is Signal, the app used by Trump's team
The Senate Intelligence Committee heard testimony on Tuesday from key players involved in a group chat on the messaging app Signal, in which the U.S.'s highly sensitive plans to bomb Houthi targets in Yemen were discussed inadvertently with a journalist. President Trump said that his administration would investigate the government's use of Signal. CBS News contributor and former CIA official Andrew Boyd has more on what it is and how it's used.
Science
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Is carbon capture a solution to the climate crisis?
Carbon capture chemically removes CO2 from the air, to store or recycle into products. But is this technology – underwritten by the fossil fuel industry – an effective means to address climate change?
Is carbon capture a solution to the climate crisis?
As a tool to address rising greenhouse gas emissions, carbon capture chemically removes carbon dioxide from the air, to store or recycle into products. The company behind a new plant to be opened this summer claims the facility will remove 500,000 tons of CO2 a year. But is this form of carbon capture – underwritten by the fossil fuel industry – an effective means to address climate change? Correspondent David Pogue looks at the technology behind this initiative, and the controversy it has raised.
Bones of mammoths butchered for their tusks unearthed by archaeologists
Remains of five mammoths were found archaeologists from the Austrian Academy of Sciences said Thursday in a news statement.
Venus will pass between the Earth and sun on Saturday
Our planet's closest and brightest neighbor will pass approximately between the Earth and sun this week, in what's called an inferior conjunction.
New evidence about dark energy may be "cusp of a major discovery"
The new findings come from the Dark Energy Spectroscopic Instrument (DESI), which sits on a telescope at the Kitt Peak National Observatory in Arizona.
Crime
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Tesla arson suspect charged in Las Vegas "targeted attack," police say
Las Vegas police arrested 36-year-old Paul Hyon Kim in connection with a "targeted attack" where he allegedly damaged at least five Tesla vehicles.
Selena Quintanilla's killer, Yolanda Saldívar, denied parole
Yolanda Saldívar was denied parole, the Texas Board of Pardons and Paroles confirmed in a statement posted to its webpage.
5 injured, including 2 Americans, in stabbing attack in Amsterdam
Authorities said that no motive had been established for the stabbing attack in Amsterdam that injured five people.
Police make arrest tied to Tesla arson attack
Federal authorities have taken into custody the man accused of setting Teslas on fire at a Las Vegas collision center. Police first arrested the man on Wednesday. CBS News correspondent Shanelle Kaul reports.
Mexican drug lord charged with killing DEA agent could face death penalty
Federal prosecutors are considering seeking the death penalty against Mexican drug lord Rafael Caro Quintero in a sprawling case that includes the 1985 killing of a DEA agent.
Space
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William Shatner offers Gayle King advice before women-led space flight
William Shatner, who became the oldest person to travel to space at age 90, is offering encouragement and practical advice to Gayle King and the all-female crew launching April 14.
Democrats warn of cuts to space office
Democratic members of the House Science, Space and Technology Committee are warning that Department of Government Efficiency cuts to the Office of Space Commerce at the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration could harm American interests. CBS News' Natalie Brand reports.
What to know as Gayle King gears up for April space flight
Gayle King will step out of her comfort zone and into a space suit alongside Katy Perry, Lauren Sánchez, Aisha Bowe, Amanda Nguyen and Kerianne Flynn.
NOAA cuts could impact space companies, satellites, Democrats warn
NOAA's Office of Space Commerce plays a crucial role in the growing space industry and is tasked with helping to manage satellite traffic to guard against collisions.
Data on dark energy, universe collapse
Data on dark energy weakening over time may signal that if the trend continues it could eventually cause the universe to collapse, according to a new study. Mustapha Ishak-Boushaki, a physics professor and Dark Energy Spectroscopic Instrument (DESI) researcher, joins CBS News with more.
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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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How cherry blossoms arrived to the U.S.
Early spring comes with a cherry on top -- a cherry blossom to be more exact. "CBS Evening News" co-anchor Maurice DuBois has more.
Impact of Trump health cuts at CDC, FDA
Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. announced a major overhaul at the department. The move will slash 10,000 workers, including positions at the CDC and the Food and Drug Administration. Dr. Jon LaPook joins to discuss.
Woman initially thought her colon cancer was IBS
There has been a startling rise in the rate of colon cancer cases among younger Americans. Natalie Brand reports on a group of doctors investigating the increase, and a young woman raising awareness about the importance of early detection.
Senators grill FAA head over mid-air collision
The acting head of the FAA admitted "something was missed" when explaining what led to the deadly midair collision between an Army helicopter and a jetliner in January. Senators also grilled the top aviation official on why thousands of previous close calls at Reagan National Airport went unaddressed. Nikole Killion has the latest.
North Carolina wildfires threaten new devastation
Wildfires are burning across the Carolinas. Dave Malkoff reports.