By John Q. Hosedrinker 
Following the Orbán model of electoral autocracy, the Trump administration is rapidly dismantling democratic institutions. This includes purging government critics, controlling media narratives through alliances with figures like Elon Musk, and weaponizing the justice system against political opponents. Significant power grabs are occurring within the federal government, marked by widespread firings, budget seizures, and the erosion of checks and balances. These actions, enabled by a compliant Republican Congress, have sparked widespread concern about the future of American democracy.
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The assertion that “In a real sense, US democracy has died” is a stark one, but the parallels between Donald Trump’s actions and Viktor Orbán’s regime in Hungary are undeniably unsettling. Trump’s strategies bear a striking resemblance to Orbán’s playbook for consolidating power and undermining democratic institutions.
Orbán’s success in Hungary stemmed from a calculated manipulation of the media landscape. He systematically gained control over a significant portion of media outlets, shaping public narratives and silencing dissenting voices. This allowed him to cultivate a loyal base and marginalize opposition effectively. Trump’s actions, including frivolous lawsuits targeting critical media outlets and his consistent attacks on the “fake news” media, echo this strategy. The effect is a chilling constriction of the free flow of information, essential for a healthy democracy.
Further solidifying Orbán’s grip on power was his adept use of divisive rhetoric. He skillfully employed “family values” and anti-immigration sentiments to mobilize his supporters. Trump mirrors this approach with his relentless focus on cultural issues and his appeals to nationalist sentiment, further polarizing the electorate and creating an environment of “us versus them.” This tactic serves to solidify the support base while isolating opponents.
The erosion of trust in institutions is a key element in both Orbán’s and Trump’s strategies. The systematic undermining of trust in mainstream media, coupled with the weaponization of misinformation, creates a fertile ground for the spread of conspiracy theories and the dismantling of established norms. Both leaders masterfully exploited this to sow distrust and division, making it difficult for citizens to discern fact from fiction.
Orbán’s success wasn’t solely based on media manipulation and rhetoric; he also implemented structural changes. The rewarding of allies and punishment of adversaries ensured loyalty and solidified his power base. This pattern is mirrored by Trump’s actions, such as appointing loyalists to key positions and retaliating against those perceived as disloyal. The creation of a system of rewards and punishments, both overt and covert, is crucial in consolidating power and maintaining control.
The alarming parallels extend to the response of the populace and the complicity (or at least inaction) of key institutions. The apparent apathy of many citizens, combined with the failure of media outlets to consistently highlight and condemn these actions, contributes to a worrying normalization of undemocratic practices. Just as in Hungary, the lack of robust opposition and the seeming inability to effectively challenge these actions are crucial elements in the erosion of democracy.
Concerns arise regarding a potential future ban on foreign media, disguised as a measure to protect against misinformation. This action would directly emulate Orbán’s control over information flow and severely restrict access to diverse perspectives, a cornerstone of a healthy democracy. The lack of strong, consistent reporting on these potentially catastrophic developments by mainstream media is equally concerning, further indicating a possible decay in the watchdog function of journalism.
The assertion that democracy died or is dying isn’t merely hyperbole; it reflects a deeply disturbing trend. The alarming parallels between Trump’s methods and Orbán’s successful consolidation of power in Hungary paint a grim picture. The systematic manipulation of media, the weaponization of divisive rhetoric, the erosion of institutional trust, and the chilling normalization of undemocratic practices all point to a dangerous convergence of events.
While the situations in Hungary and the United States are not identical, the strategic similarities are undeniable and should serve as a profound warning. The question of whether US democracy can survive this assault is not merely a political one; it is a fundamental question about the future of a nation’s commitment to its own founding principles. The silence, the apathy, and the lack of decisive action from key actors are among the most alarming signs. The stakes are simply too high to ignore.