WATCH: Trump boasts he has 'very good record of endorsing' foreign leaders
#Trump endorsements#foreign leaders#Board of Peace#autocratic leaders#democratic traditions#Viktor Orbán#Javier Milei#global politics
📌 Key Takeaways
Trump publicly endorsed multiple foreign leaders at the Board of Peace meeting
Trump mentioned Viktor Orbán, Javier Milei, and Japan's prime minister specifically
The endorsements reflect Trump's pattern of supporting autocratic leaders
Trump stated he has 'a very good record of endorsing' both domestic and foreign political figures
📖 Full Retelling
President Donald Trump used the Board of Peace opening ceremony on Thursday, February 19, 2026, to publicly endorse foreign leaders, including Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán, Argentina's Javier Milei, and Japan's prime minister, during a speech that highlighted his unconventional approach to international diplomacy. In one of several tangents during his address, Trump emphasized his pattern of supporting foreign political figures who are facing or recently faced contested elections in their home countries, stating, 'I'm not supposed to be endorsing people, but I endorse, when I like people. You know, I've had a very good record of endorsing candidates within the United States, but now I endorse foreign leaders.' This endorsement strategy aligns with Trump's broader tendency to embrace autocratic leaders who are part of a global movement challenging democratic traditions and institutions. The public display of support comes amid increasing scrutiny of Trump's foreign policy decisions and their implications for international relations and democratic values worldwide.
🏷️ Themes
Foreign Policy, Democratic Values, Political Endorsements, International Relations
Javier Gerardo Milei (born 22 October 1970) is an Argentine politician and economist who has served as the 59th president of Argentina since 2023. Milei also served as a national deputy representing the City of Buenos Aires for the party La Libertad Avanza from 2021 until his resignation in 2023 due...
The Board of Peace (BoP) is an international organization, established by Donald Trump and led by the government of the United States, which has a stated purpose of promoting peacekeeping around the world. It is named in United Nations Security Council Resolution 2803 as a body tasked with overseein...
By — Associated Press Associated Press Leave your feedback Share Copy URL Email Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Pinterest Tumblr Share on Facebook Share on Twitter WATCH: Trump boasts he has 'very good record of endorsing' foreign leaders World Feb 19, 2026 12:31 PM EST President Donald Trump used the Board of Peace opening to "endorse foreign leaders" on Thursday. Watch the clip in the video player above. In one of many tangents, Trump used his speech at the Board of Peace meeting to reinforce his support for various foreign leaders who are facing or were recently facing a contested election in their country. Many of the endorsements are part of Trump's pattern of embracing autocratic leaders who are part of a global pushback against democratic traditions. READ MORE: Rubio boosts Orbán's bid for another term during Budapest visit "I'm not supposed to be endorsing people, but I endorse, when I like people. You know, I've had a very good record of endorsing candidates within the United States, but now I endorse foreign leaders, including Viktor Orbán , who's here," Trump said, mentioning also Argentina's Javier Milei and the prime minister of Japan . A free press is a cornerstone of a healthy democracy. Support trusted journalism and civil dialogue. Donate now By — Associated Press Associated Press --> Support Provided By: Learn more Educate your inbox Subscribe to Here’s the Deal, our politics newsletter for analysis you won’t find anywhere else. Enter your email address Subscribe Form error message goes here. Thank you. Please check your inbox to confirm. Wednesday, Feb 18
