Trump urges Hungarians to 'get out and vote for' ally Orbán as election looms

Former U.S. President Donald Trump publicly urged Hungarian citizens to support Prime Minister Viktor Orbán's reelection in a post on his Truth Social platform on Thursday, just days before Hungary's national parliamentary elections this Sunday. Trump praised his political ally as a "truly strong and powerful Leader" and framed his endorsement as a call to strengthen the conservative, nationalist alliance he and Orbán represent on the global stage. The intervention by the former American president is a significant and unusual act of foreign electoral influence, highlighting the deep political bond between the two leaders. Both Trump and Orbán are standard-bearers for a brand of right-wing populism that challenges liberal democratic norms, advocates for national sovereignty, and is often critical of multilateral institutions. Trump's post credited Orbán with achieving "new heights of cooperation and..." success, implicitly contrasting Orbán's governance with the current Biden administration's policies. This endorsement comes at a critical juncture for Orbán, who is seeking a fourth consecutive term but faces a united opposition coalition for the first time in over a decade. While popular in many rural areas, Orbán's Fidesz party has been criticized by the European Union for undermining judicial independence, media freedom, and LGBTQ rights. Trump's vocal support is likely intended to energize Orbán's base and reinforce the narrative that he is a globally recognized leader defending Hungarian interests against external pressures from Brussels and liberal critics. The move also underscores Trump's continued activity and influence in international politics despite being out of office. By weighing in on a European election, he reinforces his political identity as a disruptor of the established international order and a champion for leaders who share his ideological outlook. The outcome of Sunday's vote will be seen as a test not only for Orbán's political model but also for the resonance of Trump-aligned politics in Europe.