Orban meets Trump - the ramifications for Europe
Steve Bannon once described Victor Orban as 'Trump before Trump' - as the two meet, what does this mean for Europe?
Donald Trump hosted Hungary’s Prime Minister Viktor Orban at the Oval Office on Monday, in a meeting critics say defied widespread concerns over bolstering a leader with Orban’s democratic and human rights credentials.
“Viktor Orban has done a tremendous job in so many different ways,” the US president said at a photo-op marking the beginning of talks. “Highly respected. Respected all over Europe. Probably like me, a little bit controversial, but that’s ok. That’s ok. You’ve done a good job, and you’ve kept your country safe.”
Orban responded by explaining how he thought he and Trump's political philosophies align: "We are proud to stand together with the United States on fighting against illegal migration, on terrorism, and to protect and help the Christian communities all around the world".
Subscribe to The Week
Escape your echo chamber. Get the facts behind the news, plus analysis from multiple perspectives.
Sign up for The Week's Free Newsletters
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
In the meeting, as with others, Trump revealed his regard for strongman leaders, the New York Times says. “The president has hosted or praised autocrats from Saudi Arabia, Egypt, the Philippines and Kazakhstan, 'fell in love' with North Korea’s Kim Jong Un and upended his entire Syria policy after a phone call with Turkey’s iron-fisted leader, triggering the resignation in protest of his own defense secretary.”
Critics say Trump’s meeting with Orban comes as a boost for the latter’s profile - and will energise those sympathetic to him - in the days leading up to the European elections 23-26 May.
As the Financial Times’ Edward Luce writes, “Mr Trump was sending a clear message that he is rooting for parties that want to undermine Europe [who] look poised to make significant gains next week.”
Speaking to the Financial Times, former Trump strategist Steve Bannon said: “What Trump did by meeting Orban was tremendously helpful. We are facing a potential European earthquake next week if the leading sovereigntist parties come out on top.”
Controversial for his disdain for democratic norms and ethno-nationalist policies, presidents Bush and Obama both refused to meet Orban. However, resistance in the United States to Orban’s visit crossed party lines. In a rare show of dissent from members of Trump’s own party, Republicans Marco Rubio and Jim Risch both signed a letter stating: “In recent years, democracy in Hungary has significantly eroded... Under Orban, the election process has become less competitive and the judiciary is increasingly controlled by the state”.
This letter to Trump was swiftly followed by one from nine Democratic members of the US House of Representative, who wrote: “Prime Minister Orban represents so many things that are antithetical to core American values. He has overseen a rollback of democracy in his country, used anti-Semitic and xenophobic tropes in his political messaging, and cozied up to Vladimir Putin and the Kremlin.”
Indeed, Orban is credited with having compromised the judiciary, acted against minority interests, and fomented anti-Semitism and xenophobia within Hungary. However, as he said confidently sitting next to Trump: “From the people, by the people, for the people, this is the basis for the Hungarian government.”
Franklin Foer, staff writer for the Atlantic, said in an interview with NPR: "The week that I was in Hungary, CNN published a poll showing that Hungarians had become the most anti-Semitic country in the whole of Europe. One of the pro-government publications published a magazine that had a cover featuring the head of the Jewish federation. And his face was put against a black backdrop, and money was raining down."
Create an account with the same email registered to your subscription to unlock access.
Sign up for Today's Best Articles in your inbox
A free daily email with the biggest news stories of the day – and the best features from TheWeek.com
William Gritten is a London-born, New York-based strategist and writer focusing on politics and international affairs.
-
Labour's Brexit conundrum
The Explainer Keir Starmer backs 'twin track' strategy – build closer security ties with EU while ruling out single market, customs union and free movement
By The Week UK Published
-
6 scenic white water rafting destinations to get your heart racing
The Week Recommends Have a rip-roaring time on the water
By Catherine Garcia, The Week US Published
-
Dangerous substances in Lunchables are raising concerns over children's health
In the Spotlight High levels of lead and sodium were recently found in the snack packages
By Justin Klawans, The Week US Published
-
'A direct, protracted war with Israel is not something Iran is equipped to fight'
Instant Opinion Opinion, comment and editorials of the day
By Harold Maass, The Week US Published
-
'Good riddance to the televised presidential debate'
Instant Opinion Opinion, comment and editorials of the day
By Harold Maass, The Week US Published
-
Trump's first criminal trial starts with jury picks
Speed Read The former president faces charges related to hush money payments made to adult film star Stormy Daniels
By Peter Weber, The Week US Published
-
Why are Republicans trying to change Nebraska's Electoral College vote?
Today's Big Question It's a chance for Donald Trump to block Joe Biden's path to re-election
By Joel Mathis, The Week US Published
-
House GOP scuttles FISA vote at Trump's urging
Speed Read Right-wing lawmakers blocked Speaker Mike Johnson's surveillance bill
By Rafi Schwartz, The Week US Published
-
To win the election, Trump is changing how elections are run
Under The Radar While the former president campaigns for a second term in office, he and his team have quietly been working to tilt the nation's electoral rules in his favor.
By Rafi Schwartz, The Week US Published
-
'What a difference a judge makes'
Instant Opinion Opinion, comment and editorials of the day
By Harold Maass, The Week US Published
-
'For employers and their workers, welcome to a minefield'
Instant Opinion Opinion, comment and editorials of the day
By Harold Maass, The Week US Published