BUDAPEST, Hungary — On Tuesday, a high-ranking official in Hungary’s government, closely linked to Prime Minister Viktor Orbán, faced U.S. sanctions due to alleged corrupt practices during his tenure. This action marks a significant move against a sitting official within a country that maintains a close relationship with the U.S.
The Office of Foreign Assets Control under the U.S. Department of the Treasury has placed sanctions on Antal Rogán for his role in corruption activities while serving in his official capacity. Rogán, a crucial player in Orbán’s administration, stands accused of leveraging his governmental position to facilitate advantageous business arrangements with associates sympathetic to the government, which has sparked European Union penalties against Hungary and resulted in withheld funding due to concerns over corruption.
At a press conference in Budapest, U.S. Ambassador to Hungary David Pressman characterized Rogán as “a primary architect, implementer and beneficiary” of a pervasive corruption landscape in Hungary, which he referred to as a “kleptocratic ecosystem.” Pressman emphasized that high-ranking officials in Hungary have exploited their power to amass wealth for themselves and their families, channeling substantial resources away from public funds. He noted that there are “many others involved” in this corruption scheme within the Hungarian government.
As the chief of Orbán’s cabinet office, Rogán is responsible for orchestrating extensive government communication campaigns that have played a significant role in sustaining Orbán’s hold on power since 2010. Critically viewed by many as the “propaganda minister,” Rogán tends to remain out of the public eye, avoiding interviews, though he has a long-standing advisory role to Orbán and oversees Hungary’s intelligence services.
Matthew Miller, a spokesperson for the State Department, stated that Rogán’s actions illustrate a larger culture of impunity in Hungary, where oligarchs and undemocratic forces have taken control of essential state functions. The sanctions against Rogán are based on a Trump-era executive order that enforces the Global Magnitsky Human Rights Accountability Act, aimed at holding accountable those who perpetrate human rights violations and engage in corrupt practices globally.
The sanctions, implemented by the outgoing Biden administration, underscore growing concerns in Washington regarding Orbán’s leadership, which has seen Hungary—an EU and NATO member—drift away from democratic norms, while simultaneously strengthening ties with Russia and China. Orbán has expressed optimism that U.S.-Hungarian relations will be restored to a friendlier state once the new president is in office. In 2024, Orbán made three visits to Donald Trump’s Mar-a-Lago resort, while Trump has consistently praised him.
Conclusion of Ambassador Pressman’s term in Hungary this month has led to notable criticism from Orbán’s administration, with accusations of interference in Hungary’s sovereignty. In reaction to the sanctions, Hungary’s Foreign Minister, Péter Szijjártó, conveyed on social media that the sanctions against Rogán are nothing more than “personal revenge” by a departing ambassador from a “failed U.S. administration.” He expressed satisfaction that soon the U.S. will be governed by individuals who regard Hungary as an ally rather than an adversary.
The Treasury Department had previously imposed sanctions in 2023 on the International Investment Bank, which shifted its headquarters to Budapest from Moscow in 2019, alleging it acted as a cover for Russian espionage activities within the EU and NATO, leading to Hungary divesting from the financial institution not long after.
