By John Q. Hosedrinker 
Donald Trump has publicly endorsed Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán ahead of a crucial April election, praising him as a “true friend, a fighter and winner” and highlighting Orbán’s stance on illegal migration. This support aligns with the US’s stated reliance on nationalistic, hard-right forces in Europe to counter “civilizational decline.” Orbán, who has held power since 2010, faces a significant challenge from Péter Magyar’s Tisza Party, which currently leads in opinion polls. Orbán has also expressed a desire to lure Trump to Hungary for a potential peace summit involving the US, Russia, and Ukraine.
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Donald Trump has recently thrown his support behind Hungary’s Viktor Orbán, a move that’s certainly raising eyebrows, especially with key elections on the horizon for Orbán. It’s quite the pairing, and for many, it brings to mind past instances where Trump’s endorsements haven’t exactly led to victory for his chosen candidates. There’s a hope among some that this trend might continue, with wishes for Orbán to be removed from office and from the European Union.
The endorsement also paints Orbán in a particular light, with some observers quickly labeling him a “Putin puppet.” This sentiment suggests a close alignment with Russian interests, and by extension, with Putin himself. The idea that Trump would back such a figure isn’t surprising to these individuals, who see it as a case of like attracting like. There’s a palpable desire from some corners for Hungary to reject this alignment and not proceed with supporting Orbán.
It’s interesting to note that there’s been a perception of a long-standing connection between Trump and Orbán, almost like a committed relationship. Despite this, there’s some optimistic reporting suggesting Orbán is trailing in the polls by a noticeable margin with a couple of months left before the elections. This offers a glimmer of hope to those who believe the European Union would be better off without what they consider to be Putin’s influence. The commentary often takes a rather personal turn, questioning Trump’s judgment and choices of allies, even delving into rather crude speculation about his relationships with figures perceived as authoritarian.
The notion that Trump’s endorsement is a kiss of death is a recurring theme. The comparison to “fash of a feather flocking together” effectively captures the sentiment that Trump and Orbán share ideological similarities, often characterized as pro-Putin and even fascist. The question is then raised as to why foreign presidents feel the need to endorse domestic candidates in other countries, especially when the endorsement itself seems to carry a negative connotation, particularly for those who view Trump’s political brand as detrimental.
The idea that Trump’s backing would be a liability for Orbán is strongly felt by many. This is reinforced by the observation that anything Trump touches seems to become “radioactive,” with comparisons drawn to past election results where his endorsements didn’t pan out. The hope is that this endorsement will indeed help usher in Orbán’s defeat, effectively removing a perceived “wanna be dictator” from power.
The potential for further endorsements from like-minded figures is also on the table, with predictions that Fico might soon follow suit in supporting Orbán. For some, the prospect of Orbán winning is so unpalatable that they would consider leaving Hungary entirely. The opposition party, Tisza, is seen as having assembled a strong team of experts, leading to the conclusion that if Orbán were to win, it would either point to rigged elections or a disappointing choice by the Hungarian majority.
The sheer negative weight of Trump’s endorsement is highlighted, with many believing it to be a clear indicator of Orbán’s unsavory character, especially for anyone outside of Hungary. The thought is that Trump’s endorsement is a significant red flag, practically a guarantee that Orbán is a “fucking fascist loser” aiming to dismantle democracy, much like Trump himself. The worry is that both leaders share a desire to cling to power and undermine democratic principles, with Orbán already having extensive experience in this regard.
The connection between Trump and Orbán is often framed as a pact between “fascist scumbags” or even a shared puppeteer, perhaps even Putin himself. The thought experiment of whether Orbán is secretly a young girl or if they share a common boss underscores the absurdity some perceive in their alliance. The very word “elections” in this context is questioned, suggesting a belief that the process might not be entirely fair or democratic.
The strategy behind this endorsement is seen as a clear parallel to Trump’s own playbook. The surprise element is minimal, as this kind of alliance is largely predictable given their perceived shared ideologies and political approaches. The question of whether Orbán is running in US midterm elections is a rhetorical one, highlighting the perceived interference in foreign political affairs.
The “what would Putin do?” question lingers, suggesting that the actions of both Trump and Orbán are being viewed through the lens of Russian influence. The “birds of a feather, fascist together” sentiment is strong, painting them as kindred spirits in their authoritarian leanings. The term “despot to despot” further solidifies this perception, underscoring the belief that they are cut from the same cloth.
The visual comparison of Orbán to “Bubba” in a picture, alongside Meloni’s endorsement, suggests a pattern of leaders aligning with each other. The overarching sentiment is that “one asshole supporting another” is at play, with the strong hope that Orbán will be defeated. The potential for Orbán to emulate Putin’s tactics and “cheat again” is a significant concern for those watching the election closely.
If Trump is backing him, it’s assumed by many that Orbán must be “a massive piece of shit.” This is seen as a strong indicator of Orbán’s character, reinforcing the negative perception already held by many. The “slobbering orange kiss of death” is a vivid metaphor for the detrimental impact Trump’s endorsement is expected to have.
The idea that Trump is attempting to bring a similar political atmosphere to Hungary as he has in the US is evident, with many finding it “plainly obvious” what he’s trying to achieve. The accusation of Trump being a “Communist” seems to stem from a place of frustration and an inability to categorize his actions, but the more consistent theme is that he is aligned with Putin. The hope is that the endorsement will ultimately backfire and have the opposite of the intended effect, leading to Orbán’s loss.
The alignment of “corrupt fascists sticking together” is a clear articulation of the perceived political grouping. The notion that Trump “loves dictators” encapsulates a fundamental critique of his foreign policy and alliances. There’s a strong belief that Trump’s endorsement holds little sway in Hungary, and while the new party might not secure an absolute majority, Orbán is expected to face difficult times.
The current polling data suggests Fidesz could be heading for a “harsh reality,” with little support left for splinter parties. The public’s weariness with “self-service” in Hungarian politics is seen as a major factor. The significant transformation in Orbán’s political journey from his beginnings to his current standing is described as “mind-bending.”
Despite his perceived lack of influence at home, Orbán is still seen by some as a political gimmick in Hungary. The question of whether Orbán can realistically be ousted is posed, and the effectiveness of Trump’s endorsement in influencing Hungarian voters is doubted. The historical parallel to Mussolini endorsing Hitler highlights the perceived ideological kinship and the potential for such alliances to be ultimately detrimental. The plea for Hungarians to “ditch this dictator” is a direct appeal to the electorate. The sarcastic tone in “I’m sure Hungarians will just line up to vote Orban after the foreign US president has endorsed him” perfectly captures the skepticism surrounding the impact of Trump’s endorsement.