Mr Vance pulled out his phone at the rally for Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban in Budapest on Tuesday, US time, promising rally-goers a special surprise.
That surprise was Mr Trump.
But, in an awkward moment, Mr Vance got the President’s voicemail.
US Vice President JD Vance speaks on the phone during a pre-election rally in Budapest. Picture: AP/Denes Erdos
JD Vance holds a mobile phone while on a call with Donald Trump. Picture: Jonathan Ernst/POOL/AFP
“Let’s hope he actually answers … this is going to be very embarrassing,” Mr Vance told the audience as he called Mr Trump.
With his phone on speaker, an automated voice was heard saying: “I’m sorry, the person you were trying to reach has a voicemail box …”
“Okay, try one more time,” Mr Vance said before holding the phone up to his ear.
“It’s ringing. It’s progress.”
This time he got Mr Trump on the phone. But with a catch.
“Hey JD, can you give me a second,” Mr Trump told him.
Mr Vance first got the President’s voicemail. Picture: Jonathan Ernst/Pool Photo/AP
Mr Trump eventually answered but asked ‘can you give me a second’. Picture: Attila Kisbenedek/AFP
But the President finally addressed the cheering crowd, endorsing Mr Orban for re-election: “I love Hungary and I love that Victor, I’ll tell you, he’s a fantastic man.”
“We’ve had a tremendous relationship,” Mr Trump continued.
“Boy that sounds like a big crowd and my kind of people.”
Mr Trump is fond of Mr Orban, who’s been a longtime supporter and frequent visitor to Mar-a-Lago.
Mr Vance and Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban wave to the audience during a Day of Friendship event in Budapest, Hungary. Picture: Jonathan Ernst/Pool/AP
Mr Vance is on a two-day trip to Hungary to boost Mr Orban’s bid for re-election as his Fidesz party trails badly in the polls after 16 years in the job.
The general election is on Sunday and Mr Vance projected confidence, telling reporters: “Viktor Orban is, of course, going to win.”
Mr Trump endorsed Mr Orbán in a post on Truth Social in February, calling him a “truly strong and powerful Leader, with a proven track record of delivering phenomenal results”.
“Viktor works hard to Protect Hungary, Grow the Economy, Create Jobs, Promote Trade, Stop Illegal Immigration, and Ensure LAW AND ORDER!” he continued.
“I was proud to ENDORSE Viktor for Re-Election in 2022, and am honoured to do so again.
“Viktor Orbán is a true friend, fighter, and WINNER, and has my Complete and Total Endorsement for Re-Election as Prime Minister of Hungary — HE WILL NEVER LET THE GREAT PEOPLE OF HUNGARY DOWN!”
with The New York Post
Leave a Reply