Trump Welcomes Hungarian PM Viktor Orban to Mar-a-Lago
Former President Donald Trump met with Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban at his Mar-a-Lago resort on Friday, a move considered unconventional as Orban did not meet with President Joe Biden during his trip.
According to Trump's presidential campaign, the meeting focused on "a wide range of issues affecting Hungary and the United States, including the paramount importance of strong and secure borders to protect the sovereignty of each nation."
In a video on Instagram, Trump praised Orban as a "non-controversial figure" who decisively states how things will be and asserts his authority. Trump referred to Orban as "the boss."
POTUS Trump about PM Orban in Mar-a-Lago:
— AJ Huber (@Huberton) March 9, 2024
"There is nobody better, smarter, or a better leader than Viktor Orban, he's fantastic. He's the boss. He is a great leader, a fantastic leader, in Europe, and all over the world, they respect him. It’s an honor to have you with us!" pic.twitter.com/6nWlt1UYUM
Orban, serving as prime minister since 2010, also met with former first lady Melania Trump on Friday and attended a meeting at the Heritage Foundation on Thursday.
President Biden criticized the meeting with Trump during a campaign event in Pennsylvania, characterizing Orban as undemocratic and expressing concern over his views on democracy.
"You know who he’s meeting with today and — down in Mar-a-Lago? Orban of Hungary, who stated flatly he doesn’t think democracy works," Biden said. "I see a future where we defend democracy, not diminish it."
Orban has faced criticism for his close ties with Russian President Vladimir Putin, reluctance to provide aid to Ukraine, resistance to NATO expansion, and allegations of attempting to weaken Hungary's judiciary system. He has also been associated with anti-immigration policies and a rejection of "woke" ideology.
Often compared to Trump, Orban has gained popularity among right-leaning circles and has spoken at previous Conservative Political Action Conferences (CPAC). He is set to host an overseas edition of the CPAC conference next month.