President Trump’s hosting of Hungary’s Prime Minister Viktor Orbán at the White House on Friday provides the European leader a major platform to showcase how the two are conservative kindred spirits, but it comes as the president has soured on Budapest's embrace of Russian President Vladimir Putin and his country’s oil exports.

Orbán is receiving his White House debut 10 months into the president’s second term, a significant snub for one of Trump’s fiercest supporters in the world.

It’s a consequential meeting for Orbán, who is asking Trump to provide Hungary with an exemption to continue importing Russian oil not subject to punishing U.S. sanctions.

Orbán succeeded in receiving Trump’s endorsement for what is shaping up to be competitive parliamentary elections in April. He’s not likely to face any pressure from the U.S. over his undemocratic practices, including weaponizing the justice system to go after political opponents and critics; unfair practices in elections; failure to meaningfully tackle corruption, and undermining freedom of speech.

A White House spokesperson said Trump and Orbán have "a good relationship" and will talk over areas "of mutual interest."

“The American people can expect more good deals out of Prime Minister Orban’s visit spanning various industries – stay tuned!" the White House said.

But Orbán is coming to the White House with largely empty hands, a series of asks and not much to offer.

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