The Conservative Political Action Conference (CPAC) in Hungary, which featured American Republicans endorsing harsh immigration policies, crackdowns on LGBTQ rights, and a battle against “woke ideology,” highlighted the growing embrace of Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán and his authoritarian government by the American right. The event showcased the connections and praise between Orbán and former President Donald Trump, with both leaders endorsing each other and promoting a militaristic approach to the current political landscape in the US and Europe.
Orbán’s 14-year tenure in power has seen Hungary become a laboratory for conservative policies that have eroded democratic rights and civil society protections, according to critics and European Union officials. Orbán has centralized power, implemented strict immigration policies, restricted LGBTQ rights, and promoted a Christian nationalist view of society. American conservatives have looked to Hungary as a model for maintaining national identity in a conservative way, with some hoping that Trump would adopt similar policies if he were to return to the White House.
CPAC Hungary, funded by the Hungarian government, attracted conservatives from around the world who praised Orbán despite his authoritarian tendencies. American conservatives, including members of Congress and prominent figures like Steve Bannon, expressed admiration for Hungary’s immigration policies and considered it a successful model for conservative governance. Orbán’s government has spent millions on lobbying efforts in the US, building connections with American conservative think tanks, and funding grants to conservative writers and activists.
American nonprofits planning policies for a potential second Trump term, like the Heritage Foundation and the America First Policy Institute, have partnered with think tanks funded by the Hungarian government to learn more about Orbán’s policies. Critics argue that Hungary should serve as a warning sign rather than a model to emulate, pointing to the erosion of fundamental rights and the lack of fair political competition under Orbán’s regime. While some American conservatives focused on the superficial aspects of Budapest during CPAC, others highlighted the deeper issues facing Hungarian society.
Overall, the American right’s embrace of Orbán and his policies reflects a shift towards authoritarianism and illiberalism among conservative circles. The admiration for Orbán’s approach to governance and societal issues underscores a reimagining of conservative ideology that prioritizes nationalism, traditional values, and a strong government role in shaping social policy. As American conservatives increasingly look to Hungary for inspiration, questions arise about the implications of aligning with Orbán’s regime and the potential consequences for democracy and human rights in both countries.
