Ohio Republican Senator JD Vance defended Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán’s crackdown on higher education during an interview on CBS’ “Face the Nation.” Vance praised the idea that taxpayers should have influence on how their money is spent on universities, stating that it is a reasonable concept. He also suggested that Orban’s actions were the closest conservatives have come to challenging left-wing dominance in higher education.
Orbán has faced criticism for seizing control of state universities and putting them under the management of his allies in foundations. Despite this, Vance argued that universities in the US are controlled by left-wing foundations and are not effectively educating students. He expressed concerns about the burden of student debt and suggested that universities are not meeting their obligations to taxpayers.
While acknowledging that he does not agree with all of Orban’s actions, Vance reiterated his support for the prime minister’s education reform efforts. Orban has received praise from some pro-Trump conservatives, including Tucker Carlson and former President Donald Trump. However, others within the conservative movement have condemned Orban as authoritarian and criticized his government’s actions, such as stalling Sweden’s ascension into NATO.
Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell has been vocal in his criticism of Orban, stating that America should not take foreign policy cues from Hungary. McConnell specifically called out Orban for seeking closer relations with China, which Vance attributed to weak leadership in Washington. Vance argued that American leadership’s poor decisions are leading other nations, like Hungary, to align themselves with China due to the lack of self-reliance in US foreign policy.
Overall, Vance’s defense of Orbán’s education reforms and criticism of the US education system and foreign policy decisions highlight his support for a more populist approach within the GOP. While some conservatives have praised Orbán for his actions, others have condemned him as authoritarian and criticized his alignment with China. The debate over Orban’s leadership and policies reflects broader divisions within the Republican Party over issues related to education, foreign policy, and authoritarianism.
