The United States has lifted sanctions on Antal Rogán, a close aide to Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán, citing that the punitive measures were not aligned with US foreign policy interests. Secretary of State Marco Rubio communicated this decision to Hungarian Foreign Minister Péter Szijjártó, emphasizing the inconsistency of Rogán’s continued designation on the US Department of the Treasury’s list. The conversation also revolved around enhancing alignment between the US and Hungary on key issues and exploring economic collaboration opportunities.

Orbán and his Fidesz party have been staunch supporters of former US President Donald Trump in Europe. The Biden administration had imposed sanctions on Rogán in early January over corruption allegations, a move that Budapest vowed to contest after Trump’s anticipated return to office. Rogán, who has been overseeing public contract distribution in Hungary, has faced accusations of favoritism towards loyalists of Fidesz.

Orbán, who has faced long-standing allegations of corruption and cronyism, has consistently refuted such claims since assuming power in 2010. Tensions between Budapest and Washington escalated during Biden’s presidency, partly due to Hungary’s close relations with Moscow amid the conflict in Ukraine.

Rogán’s close ties to Orbán, spanning decades of involvement in government media management and election campaign coordination, underscore his significant role within the Hungarian political landscape. Despite the lifting of sanctions, the situation reflects the complex dynamics at play between Hungary, the US, and broader geopolitical considerations.