A fragile ceasefire and JD Vance's moment in Budapest  episode artwork

EPISODE · Apr 9, 2026 · 21 MIN

A fragile ceasefire and JD Vance's moment in Budapest

from The State of It: USA

After threatening Iran with total civilisational collapse, Donald Trump steps back from the brink and agrees to a fragile ceasefire that both sides claim as a win. But how long can it really hold?And as Hungary heads to the polls, JD Vance lands in Budapest to back Viktor Orbán—a leader often seen as aligned with Moscow. What does it mean when the White House throws its weight behind a pro-Russia candidate in one of Europe’s most consequential elections?Katy Balls, Washington editor and columnist at The Times and The Sunday TimesFraser Nelson, columnist at The TimesProducers: Euan Dawtrey, Harry KitsonExecutive producer: Molly GuinnessPicture: Getty Images.Clips: ReutersThis podcast was brought to you thanks to the support of readers of The Times and The Sunday Times. Subscribe today Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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A fragile ceasefire and JD Vance's moment in Budapest

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This episode was published on April 9, 2026.

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After threatening Iran with total civilisational collapse, Donald Trump steps back from the brink and agrees to a fragile ceasefire that both sides claim as a win. But how long can it really hold?And as Hungary heads to the polls, JD Vance lands in...

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