Overview

• At a Gaza “peace summit” in Egypt, Trump addressed fellow leaders and lavished praise on Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán.
• He told the audience “We love Viktor,” called Orbán “fantastic,” and asserted he is “the only one that matters.”
• Trump hailed Orbán as “a great leader,” referenced endorsing him in a past race he said was won by 28 points, and pledged “We’re behind you 100 percent.”
• Reports summarized longstanding criticisms that since 2010 Orbán has consolidated control over state institutions, curtailed press freedom, and targeted opponents, immigrants, and LGBTQ+ people.
• With national elections due next spring, the Center for European Policy Analysis cites polling that shows Fidesz trailing and warns a loss could prompt Orbán to challenge the vote’s integrity.