On February 20th, U.S. Vice President JD Vance and billionaire Elon Musk launched strong criticisms against Romania's decision to cancel its presidential election in December.
Vance expressed concern that canceling the election indicated Romania's divergence from American values. He also referred to the chief judge of Romania's top court as a "tyrant".
These comments represent the latest criticisms directed at Bucharest by members of the President's administration.
In December, Romania's Constitutional Court halted the election before a second round amid allegations of Russian interference in support of far-right NATO critic Calin Georgescu, claims denied by Moscow.
Vance emphasized the importance of common values in international relations, highlighting that cancelling elections due to unfavorable outcomes undermines democracy. He urged for the defense of democratic principles and free expression not only in the U.S. but across the Western world to strengthen alliances in Europe.
During the Munich Security Conference, Vance questioned the election cancellation as an example of undemocratic practices in stifling free speech and political dissent by European governments.
Elon Musk, leading the Trump administration's Department of Government Efficiency, criticized Romanian Chief Judge Marian Enache for resisting U.S. pressure regarding Georgescu's eligibility to run in the upcoming election.
Musk accused Georgescu of threatening Constitutional Court judges with trial for high treason if elected, denouncing him as a "tyrant, not a judge".
The court was unavailable for immediate comment.
Musk's actions, including reposting Georgescu's statements and featuring them on his social media platform, have fueled controversy regarding his involvement in European politics.
Despite his support for Romania's far-right figure and contentious views, Georgescu remains the favored candidate in polls.
Critics have accused Musk of interfering in European politics by endorsing Germany's far-right while criticizing leaders like Britain's ahead of the upcoming German parliamentary election.