The US is seeking to join forces with EU critics Slovakia and Hungary.
After the Munich Security Conference, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio travelled on to Bratislava and Budapest to meet with EU-critical heads of government Robert Fico and Viktor Orbán.
He discussed closer cooperation with them.
Hungary and Slovakia are members of the European Union. However, their governments repeatedly clash with Brussels over various disputes. In addition, Fico and Orbán continue to maintain relations with the leadership in Moscow, have criticised EU sanctions against Russia and reject military aid for Ukraine. At the same time, the two heads of government are among Trump's most vocal supporters in the EU. Right-wing nationalist Orbán in particular is seen by many representatives of the political right in the US as a role model for tough immigration policies and conservative values. He faces a re-election battle in April and is currently trailing in the polls.
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Marco Rubio visits Trump allies in Eastern Europe
