Parallel Paths to Power
In the aftermath of Donald Trump’s reinstatement to presidency, Prime Minister Viktor Orbán of Hungary predicted a “golden age” for his country, echoing Trump’s vision of an American resurgence. This overlap in rhetoric is not a coincidence.
Orbán’s strongman tactics have long inspired U.S. conservatives, who view Hungary as a possible blueprint for a right-wing America. Trump and Orbán have forged a close bond, with Trump praising Orbán as a “tough person.”
Testing the Bounds of Presidential Power
Upon assuming office, Trump has challenged the boundaries of presidential authority, drawing comparisons to Orbán’s anti-democratic methods. Orbán has used state power to suppress rivals, reshape the judiciary, and manipulate elections to ensure his party’s dominance. He has also targeted LGBTQ+ rights, immigration, and independent media.
While Trump and Orbán’s political systems differ, their agendas share striking parallels. After suffering an electoral defeat, Orbán orchestrated a political transformation of Hungary, creating a legal framework to consolidate his power. This move mirrors the controversial “Project 2025” blueprint for Trump’s presidency.
Eroding Democratic Institutions
A key aspect of Orbán’s strategy has been undermining the judiciary. In 2012, he lowered the judicial retirement age, allowing him to replace nearly 300 senior judges with political appointees. Trump and Republicans have pursued a similar conservative agenda for the U.S. Supreme Court.
Trump has also attacked the Department of Justice, firing prosecutors investigating his administration and moving to purge the FBI. His administration has criticized judges who have temporarily halted its actions, suggesting that unfavorable decisions could be defied.
Weaponizing Loyalty and Media
Orbán has repositioned his party as the embodiment of Hungarian identity, while branding opponents as unpatriotic and foreign-serving. Trump employs similar tactics, using inflammatory rhetoric against political foes.
Both Orbán and Trump have targeted the media. Orbán has weakened Hungary’s independent press, while Trump has pressured the media in the U.S. through lawsuits and regulatory threats.
Drifting Towards Autocracy
Orbán’s evolution into an autocrat coincided with his embrace of Russia and China. He has admired Putin’s strongman tactics and implemented similar policies.
Trump has expressed admiration for autocrats, especially Putin. He has praised Putin’s invasion of Ukraine and has not committed to Ukraine’s full participation in negotiations.
A Warning for America
Hungary’s transformation under Orbán serves as a cautionary tale. According to Zsuzsanna Szelényi, a former Fidesz member, the process of autocratization, once begun, tends to continue and escalate. While the U.S. and Hungary have fundamental differences, Szelényi emphasizes the importance of vigilance and the need to resist any attempts at undermining democratic institutions.
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