[This article first appeared at Common Dreams on April 16, 2026.]
As Prime Minister of Hungary for 16 years, Viktor Orbán became a beacon for the right and one of President Donald Trump’s favorite authoritarian role models. A self-described populist, Orbán’s conquest of democracy’s three pillars – the media, institutions of higher education, and the justice system – became Trump’s template.
Another Orbán characteristic attracted Trump: His regime consistently ranked #1 as the most corrupt country in the European Union. He abused political power for self-enrichment. He installed friends and family members in positions of influence and power that made him (and them) wealthy. He used his majority in the legislature to enhance his power. A persistent critic of Ukraine, Orbán also enjoyed the support of Russian President Vladimir Putin.
Sound familiar?
Trump embraced and praised Orbán, which meant that Vance embraced and praised him too.
Vance Surrendered to Ambition
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The Belly of the Beast 