American conservatives welcome Hungary’s strongman leader at Budapest conference

The Conservative Political Action Conference’s third annual gathering in Hungary has drawn attention from Republicans in the US, who are endorsing harsh immigration policies and crackdowns on LGBTQ rights. The event, held in Budapest, featured GOP dignitaries praising Prime Minister Viktor Orbán and his authoritarian government, highlighting Hungary as a potential model for a second term under former President Donald Trump.

Orbán, who has centralized power and eroded democratic rights during his 14-year tenure, has become a hero to some American conservatives. His policies, including strict immigration controls and restrictions on LGBTQ rights, have drawn admiration from Trump allies looking for a successful conservative governing agenda.

The conference, organized by a Hungarian government-funded think tank, featured speeches from Republican members of Congress and video messages from prominent GOP figures like Steve Bannon and Mark Meadows. Despite Orbán’s authoritarian tendencies, Republicans at the event lauded Hungary as a successful model for conservative principles and governance.

Orbán’s government has spent millions on lobbying in the US, building connections with American conservative think tanks and writers. Pro-Orbán groups have also made inroads with organizations planning policies for a potential second Trump term, showcasing Hungary as a beacon for Trumpists worldwide.

Critics of Orbán’s regime warn that Hungary should serve as a warning sign, not a model to emulate. They point to the erosion of democratic rights and fundamental freedoms under Orbán’s rule, urging Americans to see the country’s situation as a cautionary tale.

Despite concerns about democratic backsliding, some American conservatives at the conference seemed more focused on the perceived success of Budapest, with one attendee marveling at the apparent absence of homelessness and crime. As the American right increasingly embraces Orbán’s policies, the future of conservative governance in the US may be shaped by the Hungarian leader’s authoritarian playbook.