Kari Lake Condemns U.S. Funding of Anti-Hungarian Radio Program

By Sam Barron | Thursday, 06 November 2025 09:19 PM EST

Kari Lake, acting CEO of the U.S. Agency for Global Media, criticized the funding of Szabad Europa, a Hungarian-language service under Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty (RFE/RL), during an appearance on “Rob Schmitt Tonight.” She argued that American taxpayers should no longer support programming that targets a NATO ally.

Lake stated that Szabad Europa, which was integrated into RFE/RL’s programming in 2020, is designed to undermine Hungary and its nationalist movement. “The American taxpayer is footing the bill for millions of dollars to do a kind of radio that’s meant to not just disparage the Hungarian people but what’s happening in Hungary,” she said.

She further accused the service of destabilizing Hungary and opposing policies aligned with U.S. interests. “American taxpayer dollars should not go toward a globalist radio program. It’s a NATO ally, and the globalists hate [Hungarian Prime Minister] Viktor Orban,” Lake added.

In a letter to congressional appropriators, Lake claimed that Szabad Europa has undermined President Donald Trump’s foreign policy by opposing Orban. She emphasized that U.S. taxpayer funds should not finance content targeting NATO partners. The agency plans to cease using federal money for such programs moving forward.