American Conservatives Embrace Hungary’s Orbán as Model for Potential Trump Second Term

The Conservative Political Action Conference in Hungary draws American Republicans to embrace authoritarian leader Viktor Orbán

At a recent Conservative Political Action Conference in Hungary, American Republicans gathered to endorse harsh immigration policies, crackdowns on LGBTQ rights, and a battle against “woke ideology.” The event, held in Budapest, showcased the growing embrace of Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán and his authoritarian government by the American right.

Orbán, who has been in power for 14 years, has transformed Hungary into a laboratory for conservative policies, eroding democratic rights and civil society protections along the way. His government has centralized power, changed election rules to favor his party, and passed laws restricting transgender rights and adoption by same-sex couples.

Despite Orbán’s controversial policies, American conservatives, including former President Donald Trump and his allies, have praised the Hungarian leader. Trump, who hosted Orbán at his Mar-a-Lago resort earlier this year, called him “a great man” and endorsed his reelection bid.

The conference in Budapest, organized by a Hungarian government-funded think tank, featured speeches from Republican members of Congress and prominent GOP figures. Attendees praised Orbán’s immigration policies and conservative governance, with some hoping the United States would adopt similar measures.

Orbán’s government has spent millions on lobbying in the US and built connections with American conservative think tanks. Pro-Orbán groups have also funded American conservative writers and activists, influencing the right’s movement against “critical race theory” in schools.

Critics of Orbán’s regime argue that Americans should see Hungary as a warning sign, not a model to emulate. They point to the erosion of democratic rights and the focus on divisive issues like LGBTQ rights and immigration as distractions from deeper societal problems.

Despite these concerns, some American conservatives at the conference seemed more focused on the perceived success of Budapest, noting an apparent absence of homelessness and crime. The embrace of Orbán by the American right reflects a growing trend towards authoritarianism and conservative governance.

As the relationship between American conservatives and Orbán deepens, the implications for US politics and democracy remain uncertain. The conference in Hungary served as a stark reminder of the global reach of authoritarian leaders and the challenges they pose to democratic values.