The event was also attended by major companies such as Audi, BMW, and Bosch.Continue reading
The good personal relationship and trust between Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán and US.. President Donald Trump can serve as a good foundation for strengthening economic ties, said Donald Trump Jr., the eldest son of the U.S. president, at a closed-door business forum in Budapest on Friday.
The event, entitled Trump Business 2025 and organized by Portfolio, was attended by the executive vice president of the Trump Organization at the invitation of businessman Zoltán Aczél, with the aim of exploring business opportunities in the region, said businessman Ákos Janza in his opening remarks.
Donald Trump Jr. remarked that he was attending the event in his capacity as a businessman, whereas last summer he was still working on his father’s campaign team. He said that it was a special feeling for him, as the child of a Czech immigrant who spent weeks in the communist country as a child, to see the transformation of the region.
In the past, the region was often looked down upon and treated as a “stepchild” by Western Europe, he pointed out. Today, however, he said, when comparing Hungary and other Central and Eastern European countries with Western countries, the countries of the region present a much more favorable picture. He believes that this is because the governments in the region are pursuing sensible policies that serve the interests of the people. He added that he was delighted to return to Hungary, where he received an extremely warm welcome.
After his presentation, Donald Trump Jr. answered questions from businesspeople. He believed that Hungary is in a unique position, serving as a bridge between East and West due to its geographical location. He said that
the people living in the country are willing to stand up for their values and are supported in this by strong leadership.
This is helped by the efficiency of the workforce and the work ethic of the people, he underlined.
Turning to global issues, he stated that today it is not Russia but China that poses the greatest threat to freedom and democracy. Referring to the trade disputes with China, he explained that the United States has long been calling for tougher action against the Asian country, but Donald Trump was the first to actually take steps in this direction. He believes that
this policy could have painful consequences in the short term, but that it must be maintained because China is more dependent on American purchasing power than vice versa.
Trump Jr. was sharply critical of Chinese infrastructure investments, saying that Chinese players often arrive with “briefcases full of cash,” quickly sign contracts, then do shoddy work, bring in their own labor, and the projects end up in chaos. He added that China has often not been an honest partner, and its investments have increased the indebtedness of the target countries.
According to the businessman, the United States and its allies need to form new strategic alliances based on business and become more open to partnerships. He emphasized at the same time that
in strategically important industries such as pharmaceuticals and chip manufacturing, the United States is extremely dependent on China and Taiwan.
Trump Jr. stressed that it is unrealistic to believe that the textile industry or other industries critical to national security can immediately return to the United States, but that a shift is underway, with billions of dollars of investment announced in the United States and increasing capital flowing out of China. He cited Mexico and Colombia as examples of countries willing to negotiate tariffs, and Apple has announced that it will move iPhone production to India, thereby bypassing China.
Try buying an American product in China. Virtually nonexistent because they made it impossible. https://t.co/gIuLT6F23J
— Donald Trump Jr. (@DonaldJTrumpJr) April 8, 2025
Returning to bilateral relations, he stated that the Biden administration has often been hostile to the Orbán government because of its patriotic policies and support for Donald Trump.
He believes that the United States must also recognize the investment opportunities offered by the region and Hungary, but at the same time, it is important that both sides take the initiative in establishing relations.
Trump Jr. sees good opportunities for cooperation in the pharmaceutical and technology sectors. He believes that chambers of commerce should also play an important role in exploring opportunities and establishing contacts, as they can help American players better understand the potential of the Hungarian market.
Via MTI, File photo via Hungary Today
