Donald Trump, the former president of the United States, recently met with Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban in a display of his continued support for autocratic leaders around the world as he gears up for a potential reelection campaign. Orban’s visit to the U.S. included a speech at the Heritage Foundation in Washington, a conservative think tank with close ties to Trump. This visit coincided with President Biden’s State of the Union address, highlighting the unusual nature of a foreign leader meeting with a political rival rather than the sitting president.
Trump has long praised Orban for his leadership style, hosting him at the White House in 2019, a gesture that previous U.S. presidents had avoided. Orban, who has been in power in Hungary since 2010, has been criticized for undermining democratic institutions in the country, implementing restrictive policies on LGBTQ+ rights and immigration, and exerting control over the judiciary and the media.
Following his appearance at the Heritage Foundation, Orban emphasized the need for cooperation between conservative forces in Europe and the U.S., focusing on issues such as supporting families, combating illegal migration, and defending national sovereignty. The Hungarian leader then traveled to Florida to meet with Trump at Mar-a-Lago, where the two men engaged in discussions on various topics, including the importance of strong borders.
During the meeting, Trump praised Orban as a strong and effective leader, drawing parallels between his leadership style and the Hungarian leader’s approach. Orban, in turn, expressed his support for Trump, highlighting the need for respected leaders who can bring peace to the world. President Biden criticized the meeting, characterizing Orban as an authoritarian figure who does not believe in democracy.
Despite the backlash, Trump reiterated his admiration for Orban, describing him as a “great gentleman” and defending his tough leadership style. The meeting with Orban came shortly after Trump hosted Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson at the State of the Union address, signaling his willingness to engage with a diverse range of international leaders. The ongoing support for Orban, despite his controversial policies and alliances, underscores Trump’s affinity for strongman leaders on the global stage.
