Former President Donald Trump recently expressed his admiration for Viktor Orbán, the controversial leader of Hungary, during a debate with Vice President Kamala Harris. Trump referred to Orbán as a strong and smart leader, quoting Orbán’s praise for Trump as the most respected and feared person. Orbán, known for his autocratic style and close ties to Russia and China, has faced criticisms for his restrictions on immigration, LGBTQ+ rights, press freedom, and judiciary independence while strengthening relationships with Beijing and Moscow, both considered adversaries by NATO allies.

Despite Orbán’s divisive reputation in the West, he has found support among some conservative circles in the United States, including Trump and key figures like Tucker Carlson. They applaud Orbán’s unwavering stance on immigration, exemplified by Hungary’s border fence construction in response to the refugee crisis in Europe. Additionally, they praise Hungary’s pro-natalist policies aimed at boosting the country’s declining population without relying on immigration, echoing Orbán’s rhetoric on preserving a Christian, white, traditional European identity.

Orbán’s favorability with American conservatives was on display at events like the Conservative Political Action Conference (CPAC), where he received a standing ovation and emphasized the importance of reclaiming power from institutions in Washington and Brussels. His public endorsement of Trump’s presidency and support for Trump’s claims on addressing the Russia-Ukraine conflict have further cemented their mutually beneficial relationship.

Critics, including prominent Democrats like Hillary Clinton and Tim Walz, have condemned Orbán as a threat to democracy and expressed alarm at Trump’s close ties to the Hungarian leader. Despite Orbán’s efforts to position himself as a peacemaker in international conflicts, his alignment with authoritarian regimes and controversial policies continue to draw scrutiny from the global community.