BUDAPEST, Hungary — Hungary’s assertive right-wing leader has expressed belief that a potential victory for Donald Trump could bolster his campaign against immigration and promote traditional family values.
In Argentina, President Javier Milei—a former ally of Trump—has publicly lashed out at his adversaries, describing them as “rats and parasites,” while denouncing climate change as a “socialist lie.”
Both leaders, along with commentators, suggest that Trump’s return to power could shift U.S. foreign alliances towards populist and authoritarian figures.

Days before the upcoming election, Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán confidently projected that Trump would reclaim the presidency. He asserted on state radio that this would lead to a majority of pro-peace political forces emerging in the West by year’s end.
Orbán has faced accusations from the European Union regarding the erosion of Hungary’s democratic practices, specifically through media control and the establishment of a loyal oligarchy. His increasing affinity for Russian President Vladimir Putin has raised eyebrows among foreign leaders.
Orbán’s version of “illiberal democracy” has marginalized civil-society organizations and imposed constraints on LGBTQ+ rights, all in pursuit of securing power—even at the expense of the interests of Hungary’s traditional allies.
On the international stage, Trump has notably avoided critiquing Putin and often praises him, a dynamic highlighted by analysts like Nigel Gould-Davies of the International Institute of Strategic Studies. Commentators note that this relationship mirrors Trump’s admiration for other authoritarian figures, such as Orbán in Hungary.
Trump’s claims of being able to end Russia’s war in Ukraine in a single day has drawn favorable attention from the Kremlin, which is currently in a strong position on the battlefield.
In particular, Trump’s approach might create difficulties for NATO, as he presses for alliance members to fulfill military spending commitments while asserting that Russia could “do whatever the hell they want” to those who don’t comply.
Gould-Davies emphasized that a Trump victory would likely embolden authoritarian leaders globally, shifting American foreign policy to place less emphasis on human rights.
Turning to India, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has transformed Hindu nationalism from a marginal ideology into a central pillar of Indian politics during his leadership. As a polarizing figure, he faces criticism for allegedly creating divisions based on religion, particularly against the Muslim minority, especially during recent election campaigning.
While supporters view Modi as a break from dynastic politics with promises of economic reform, detractors argue that his tenure has strained democratic institutions and undermined India’s secular foundation through increasing restrictions on media and free expression.
In Turkey, President Recep Tayyip Erdogan shares a populist approach similar to Trump, focusing on national interests while portraying himself as a defender of the common populace against the elite. Despite friction between their nations, Trump and Erdogan have fostered a friendly rapport.
Milei’s approach mimics Trump’s brashness by criticizing multilateral organizations and eschewing traditional diplomacy, recently celebrating Trump’s electoral success by sharing a photo of their past embrace, urging collaboration for shared goals.
Economically strained and needing U.S. support from the International Monetary Fund (IMF), Milei’s government has high hopes for Trump’s potential influence over the organization amid discussions of further financial assistance.
During Trump’s first term, an IMF bailout of $57 billion was granted to Argentina under conservative President Mauricio Macri. Speaking on the current situation, analyst Mariano Machado noted a concerning trend towards autocratic governance as Argentina grapples with its political structures.
Finally, Slovakia’s Prime Minister Robert Fico, despite being left-leaning, has adopted Trump-like rhetoric, notably drawing parallels between Trump’s and his own experiences with political violence.
Fico is known for his disdain for mainstream media and a hardline stance on immigration issues. He has faced his own legal challenges for organized crime, which he claims were politically motivated, ultimately leading to dismissal of the case.
Fico additionally criticized Western strategies regarding the Ukraine conflict while voicing support for Russian positions, mirroring sentiments expressed by Orbán.