A fellow authoritarian is set to lose power. Don is trying to prevent it.

[berg80]

Trump affirms ‘total endorsement’ of Orbán ahead of Hungary election​

The Trump administration is doubling down on its endorsement of Hungarian leader Viktor Orbán in next month’s Hungarian elections, even as Orbán’s deal-blocking in Brussels has been labeled “unacceptable” by EU peers.

U.S. President Donald Trump on Saturday reiterated his “complete and total endorsement” of Orbán in the Hungarian elections. And U.S. Vice President JD Vance is reportedly due to fly to Budapest in April in support of the prime minister.

The EU’s longest-serving leader, facing an election in less than a month that he is forecast to lose, has long been a thorn in the side of Brussels. In the latest stand-off against his European counterparts, Orbán held hostage a €90 billion loan to Ukraine this week over an oil dispute.

Trump affirms ‘total endorsement’ of Orbán ahead of Hungary election

U.S. Vice President JD Vance is reportedly due to visit Budapest in April in support of the Prime Minister Orbán.

www.politico.eu

AI Overview

Analyses from political observers, scholars, and news reports, particularly in early 2025 and 2026, suggest that Donald Trump has adopted strategies similar to those used by Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán to consolidate power and transform a democracy into an "illiberal state."

Observers identify several key areas where Trump has emulated the "Orban playbook" in his second term (starting January 2025):

• Judicial and Institutional Control: Similar to Orbán's 2010 overhaul of the Hungarian judiciary, Trump has aimed to reshape the U.S. judiciary and federal law enforcement. This includes appointing loyalists to key positions and using the Department of Justice to investigate political rivals.
• Media Control and Attacks: Orbán consolidated control over Hungarian media by fostering a loyal media apparatus, a tactic mirrored by Trump’s attacks on traditional media as "enemies of the people" and by fostering a pro-Trump media ecosystem.
• Targeting Universities and Civil Society: Following the Hungarian model, where the Central European University was forced out, the Trump administration has taken aim at American universities and academic freedom.
• Immigration and National Identity: Both leaders use nationalist rhetoric to demonize immigrants and outsiders to build popular support.
• Emergency Powers and Centralization: Trump has sought to use legalistic means and emergency powers to bypass checks and balances, similar to how Orban utilized "national consultations" and legislative changes to centralize power.

It is antithetical to our collective experience as Americans and all that our country stands for (or stood for until trumpery) to have a US president endorse an overtly authoritarian figure for office. The incongruity is as disorienting as the parallels between trump and Orban are obvious. But that doesn't make them easier to reckon with.

Just the other day trump invoked emergency powers to subvert congressional oversight in the sale of arms to countries in the ME.

Trump invokes emergency powers with $23 billion in Gulf arms sales as Iran war wages on: WSJ report​

Trump invokes emergency powers with $23 billion in Gulf arms sales as Iran war wages on: WSJ report

The U.S. approved roughly $23 billion in weapons sales to three Gulf nations, moving to bolster their defenses as the Middle East war continued to escalate.

www.cnbc.com

For some of the deals, the American government invoked the emergency clause of U.S. arms control law, a mechanism that allows the executive branch to proceed without the standard 30-day congressional review period, according to the report.

Like Orban, trump has sought to normalize anti-democratic actions and sideline Congress. Enabled by subservient R's who blocked the passage of two War Powers resolutions that would prevent Don from making unilateral decisions on the war he started with Iran. Just as his base has enabled him with their continuing support despite repeated lawlessness and violations of the Constitution.

It appears the people of Hungary have had enough. POLITICO Poll of Polls — Hungarian polls, trends and election news for Hungary

In the US, polls indicate the same. The question being, is the damage done too extensive to fully recover from?

 

[Mac1958]

Trump affirms ‘total endorsement’ of Orbán ahead of Hungary election​

The Trump administration is doubling down on its endorsement of Hungarian leader Viktor Orbán in next month’s Hungarian elections, even as Orbán’s deal-blocking in Brussels has been labeled “unacceptable” by EU peers.

U.S. President Donald Trump on Saturday reiterated his “complete and total endorsement” of Orbán in the Hungarian elections. And U.S. Vice President JD Vance is reportedly due to fly to Budapest in April in support of the prime minister.

The EU’s longest-serving leader, facing an election in less than a month that he is forecast to lose, has long been a thorn in the side of Brussels. In the latest stand-off against his European counterparts, Orbán held hostage a €90 billion loan to Ukraine this week over an oil dispute.

Trump affirms ‘total endorsement’ of Orbán ahead of Hungary election

U.S. Vice President JD Vance is reportedly due to visit Budapest in April in support of the Prime Minister Orbán.

www.politico.eu

AI Overview

Analyses from political observers, scholars, and news reports, particularly in early 2025 and 2026, suggest that Donald Trump has adopted strategies similar to those used by Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán to consolidate power and transform a democracy into an "illiberal state."

Observers identify several key areas where Trump has emulated the "Orban playbook" in his second term (starting January 2025):

• Judicial and Institutional Control: Similar to Orbán's 2010 overhaul of the Hungarian judiciary, Trump has aimed to reshape the U.S. judiciary and federal law enforcement. This includes appointing loyalists to key positions and using the Department of Justice to investigate political rivals.
• Media Control and Attacks: Orbán consolidated control over Hungarian media by fostering a loyal media apparatus, a tactic mirrored by Trump’s attacks on traditional media as "enemies of the people" and by fostering a pro-Trump media ecosystem.
• Targeting Universities and Civil Society: Following the Hungarian model, where the Central European University was forced out, the Trump administration has taken aim at American universities and academic freedom.
• Immigration and National Identity: Both leaders use nationalist rhetoric to demonize immigrants and outsiders to build popular support.
• Emergency Powers and Centralization: Trump has sought to use legalistic means and emergency powers to bypass checks and balances, similar to how Orban utilized "national consultations" and legislative changes to centralize power.

It is antithetical to our collective experience as Americans and all that our country stands for (or stood for until trumpery) to have a US president endorse an overtly authoritarian figure for office. The incongruity is as disorienting as the parallels between trump and Orban are obvious. But that doesn't make them easier to reckon with.

Just the other day trump invoked emergency powers to subvert congressional oversight in the sale of arms to countries in the ME.

Trump invokes emergency powers with $23 billion in Gulf arms sales as Iran war wages on: WSJ report​

Trump invokes emergency powers with $23 billion in Gulf arms sales as Iran war wages on: WSJ report

The U.S. approved roughly $23 billion in weapons sales to three Gulf nations, moving to bolster their defenses as the Middle East war continued to escalate.

www.cnbc.com

For some of the deals, the American government invoked the emergency clause of U.S. arms control law, a mechanism that allows the executive branch to proceed without the standard 30-day congressional review period, according to the report.

Like Orban, trump has sought to normalize anti-democratic actions and sideline Congress. Enabled by subservient R's who blocked the passage of two War Powers resolutions that would prevent Don from making unilateral decisions on the war he started with Iran. Just as his base has enabled him with their continuing support despite repeated lawlessness and violations of the Constitution.

It appears the people of Hungary have had enough. POLITICO Poll of Polls — Hungarian polls, trends and election news for Hungary

In the US, polls indicate the same. The question being, is the damage done too extensive to fully recover from?

There's decent reason to believe that Orban will excercise all available opportunities to, uh, make sure he does better. Trump & Co will surely be taking notes.

Some of our damage is permanent. Our former friends gave us a pass between 2016 and 2020, but this was the last straw. They're not just looking at our government differently now, they're looking at us differently, too.

 

[pknopp]

Well crap. Does this portend a war with Hungary next?

 

[berg80]

There's decent reason to believe that Orban will excercise all available opportunities to, uh, make sure he does better. Trump & Co will surely be taking notes.

It's definitely an open question as to whether Orban has enough respect for the voters to accede to their will. trump didn't. Resulting in the plot to maintain power, the fake elector scam, the J6 riot, the J6 hearings, and Don's eventual indictment.

For the sake of Hungarians one hopes Orban hasn't taken notes.

 

[luiza]

More specious Codswallop from Burger Queen .

If only we could mate her with Turdy Tommy we would have the perfect answer to AI .
AI 0.0

 

[Mashmont]

Trump affirms ‘total endorsement’ of Orbán ahead of Hungary election​

The Trump administration is doubling down on its endorsement of Hungarian leader Viktor Orbán in next month’s Hungarian elections, even as Orbán’s deal-blocking in Brussels has been labeled “unacceptable” by EU peers.

U.S. President Donald Trump on Saturday reiterated his “complete and total endorsement” of Orbán in the Hungarian elections. And U.S. Vice President JD Vance is reportedly due to fly to Budapest in April in support of the prime minister.

The EU’s longest-serving leader, facing an election in less than a month that he is forecast to lose, has long been a thorn in the side of Brussels. In the latest stand-off against his European counterparts, Orbán held hostage a €90 billion loan to Ukraine this week over an oil dispute.

Trump affirms ‘total endorsement’ of Orbán ahead of Hungary election

U.S. Vice President JD Vance is reportedly due to visit Budapest in April in support of the Prime Minister Orbán.

www.politico.eu

AI Overview

Analyses from political observers, scholars, and news reports, particularly in early 2025 and 2026, suggest that Donald Trump has adopted strategies similar to those used by Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán to consolidate power and transform a democracy into an "illiberal state."

Observers identify several key areas where Trump has emulated the "Orban playbook" in his second term (starting January 2025):

• Judicial and Institutional Control: Similar to Orbán's 2010 overhaul of the Hungarian judiciary, Trump has aimed to reshape the U.S. judiciary and federal law enforcement. This includes appointing loyalists to key positions and using the Department of Justice to investigate political rivals.
• Media Control and Attacks: Orbán consolidated control over Hungarian media by fostering a loyal media apparatus, a tactic mirrored by Trump’s attacks on traditional media as "enemies of the people" and by fostering a pro-Trump media ecosystem.
• Targeting Universities and Civil Society: Following the Hungarian model, where the Central European University was forced out, the Trump administration has taken aim at American universities and academic freedom.
• Immigration and National Identity: Both leaders use nationalist rhetoric to demonize immigrants and outsiders to build popular support.
• Emergency Powers and Centralization: Trump has sought to use legalistic means and emergency powers to bypass checks and balances, similar to how Orban utilized "national consultations" and legislative changes to centralize power.

It is antithetical to our collective experience as Americans and all that our country stands for (or stood for until trumpery) to have a US president endorse an overtly authoritarian figure for office. The incongruity is as disorienting as the parallels between trump and Orban are obvious. But that doesn't make them easier to reckon with.

Just the other day trump invoked emergency powers to subvert congressional oversight in the sale of arms to countries in the ME.

Trump invokes emergency powers with $23 billion in Gulf arms sales as Iran war wages on: WSJ report​

Trump invokes emergency powers with $23 billion in Gulf arms sales as Iran war wages on: WSJ report

The U.S. approved roughly $23 billion in weapons sales to three Gulf nations, moving to bolster their defenses as the Middle East war continued to escalate.

www.cnbc.com

For some of the deals, the American government invoked the emergency clause of U.S. arms control law, a mechanism that allows the executive branch to proceed without the standard 30-day congressional review period, according to the report.

Like Orban, trump has sought to normalize anti-democratic actions and sideline Congress. Enabled by subservient R's who blocked the passage of two War Powers resolutions that would prevent Don from making unilateral decisions on the war he started with Iran. Just as his base has enabled him with their continuing support despite repeated lawlessness and violations of the Constitution.

It appears the people of Hungary have had enough. POLITICO Poll of Polls — Hungarian polls, trends and election news for Hungary

In the US, polls indicate the same. The question being, is the damage done too extensive to fully recover from?

You leftwingers need to experience what authoritarian government really is. For one thing, you wouldn't be allowed to flap your gums against the leader like you do.

 

[ColonelAngus]

Trump will never leave office.

20 years from now, the USA may have fallen, but Trump is the leader!

 

[berg80]

You leftwingers need to experience what authoritarian government really is. For one thing, you wouldn't be allowed to flap your gums against the leader like you do.

What an odd thing to say. Is it your opinion we "leftwingers" need to be taught a lesson and have our 1st A rights taken away?

 

[Oddball]

Orban is keeping the kebab barbarians out of Hungary...He is also setting Hungarian policy to encourage the nuclear family and having children...That's why the global left hates him.

It's no more complicated than that.

 

[ColonelAngus]

The White House will be renamed THE TRUMP HOUSE.

Why is it the WHITE HOUSE? RACIST.

IT SHOULD BE THE DIVERSITY HOUSE!

 

[Mashmont]

What an odd thing to say. Is it your opinion we "leftwingers" need to be taught a lesson and have our 1st A rights taken away?

I just think it would be instructive for all you leftwing radicals to have to live in a Communist country for a year. Then see if you feel the same about promoting leftist crap.

 

[ColonelAngus]

February 2029, Trump will still be POTUS.

LIKE ROBERT DENIRO SAID, TRUMP WILL “NEVER LEAVE”.

 

[berg80]

I just think it would be instructive for all you leftwing radicals to have to live in a Communist country for a year. Then see if you feel the same about promoting leftist crap.

Should I assume you equate positions D's favor with communism? Does being in favor of enhanced gun control, a position a majority of Americans hold, make them communists?

 

[Mashmont]

Should I assume you equate positions D's favor with communism? Does being in favor of enhanced gun control, a position a majority of Americans hold, make them communists?

If you had had the chance to live in Venezuela where the Communist government banned firearms, then later ambushed defenseless citizens, you might feel differently about gun control. Today's Democrats would do the exact same to people if they could. They are simply Communists awaiting the opportunity. After witnessing leftwing riots, is there any doubt in your mind they could attack with murderous intent? Ask Kyle Rittenhouse.

 

[struth]

Remember when people like berg80 go around calling people authoritarian, they are the same people upset that the US arrested Meduro and protesting for his release

They are also the same people that are furious that th supreme leader is dead and compared him to the pope

 

[pknopp]

If you had the chance to live in Venezuela where the Communist government banned firearms, then later ambushed defenseless citizens, you might feel differently about gun control. Today's Democrats would do the exact same to people if they could. They are simply Communists awaiting the opportunity. After witnessing leftwing riots, is there any doubt in your mind they would?

"you can't have guns, you just can't"

 

[berg80]

If you had had the chance to live in Venezuela where the Communist government banned firearms, then later ambushed defenseless citizens, you might feel differently about gun control.

Please don't avoid the question.

Should I assume you equate positions D's favor with communism? Does being in favor of enhanced gun control, a position a majority of Americans hold, make them communists?

Yes or no?

 

[struth]

"you can't have guns, you just can't"

At certain places and in certain circumstances you can’t or at least shouldn’t

For example, swimming, playing a contact sport, etc

 

[berg80]

If you had had the chance to live in Venezuela where the Communist government banned firearms, then later ambushed defenseless citizens, you might feel differently about gun control. Today's Democrats would do the exact same to people if they could.

I'm finding it increasingly difficult to take anything you write seriously.

 

[pknopp]

At certain places and in certain circumstances you can’t or at least shouldn’t

For example, swimming, playing a contact sport, etc

But you can in context to the quote.

You also can't where posted. Like a restaurant.