Trump Allies Test Authoritarian Playbook in Hungary

Experts warn that the US is following Hungary's model to undermine free and fair elections.

Apr. 11, 2026 at 8:11am

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A fractured, abstract painting in shades of blue, red, and grey depicting a distorted and fragmented ballot box, conveying the instability and chaos of a rigged electoral system.As authoritarian leaders seek to undermine free and fair elections, the integrity of the democratic process hangs in the balance.Washington Today

As Hungary's election approaches, experts warn that the tactics used by Prime Minister Viktor Orbán to consolidate power are being replicated by Trump allies in the US. Orbán has built an 'illiberal state' with the help of former Republican operatives, and now figures like JD Vance are visiting Hungary to signal Trump's support. Orbán has deep ties to the Kremlin, yet his opponents are the ones being accused of foreign interference. With growing anger over corruption, the opposition has a chance to unseat Orbán, but the rigged electoral system poses a major challenge.

Why it matters

The outcome of Hungary's election will have major implications beyond just central Europe. Orbán's model of using constitutional changes to consolidate one-party rule is being closely watched by Trump and his allies, who are seeking to replicate those tactics in the US ahead of the 2022 midterms. This story highlights the global threat of authoritarianism and the erosion of democratic norms.

The details

Under Orbán's leadership, Hungary has become a hub for the international far-right, with the prime minister bankrolling a network of ultraconservatives. This week, US Vice President JD Vance visited Hungary and accused the EU of interfering in the country's election, despite evidence that Orbán has close ties to the Kremlin and is allegedly using state security services to target the opposition. Orbán has also been accused of gerrymandering the electoral system to his advantage, though the opposition leader Péter Magyar is within striking distance of a constitutional majority that could undo Orbán's power. Corruption and economic woes have fueled public anger, but Orbán's allies in the US are closely watching to see if his model of undermining democracy can be replicated.

  • Vance visited Hungary this week to address a rally of Orbán's Fidesz party.
  • In a phone call last October, Orbán told Putin: 'I am at your service.'

The players

Viktor Orbán

The prime minister of Hungary who has consolidated power and built an 'illiberal state' with the help of former Republican operatives.

Péter Magyar

The opposition leader in Hungary who was once a senior Fidesz insider but broke ranks after exposing government corruption.

JD Vance

The US Vice President who visited Hungary this week to address a rally of Orbán's Fidesz party and accuse the EU of interfering in Hungary's election.

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What they’re saying

“'Vance was there to signal Trump's support. When Orbán visited Washington, Trump appears to have committed to bailing out Hungary.'”

— Kim Lane Scheppele, Expert on authoritarianism and democratic backsliding

“'One of the things they've learned from Hungary is that you have to change the voting rules. That's how autocrats win elections - by rigging the system. That's exactly what Trump has been trying to do.'”

— Kim Lane Scheppele, Expert on authoritarianism and democratic backsliding

What’s next

The outcome of Hungary's election on April 3rd will be closely watched, as it could have major implications for the future of democracy in Europe and the US.

The takeaway

This story highlights the global threat of authoritarianism and the erosion of democratic norms, as tactics used by Orbán in Hungary are being closely studied and replicated by Trump allies in the US. The upcoming Hungarian election will be a crucial test of whether Orbán's model of undermining democracy can be defeated.