Senator JD Vance (R-Ohio) sparked controversy on Sunday when he voiced his support for Hungarian President Viktor Orban’s regulatory crackdown on universities, calling for a similar approach in the United States. In an interview on CBS’s “Face the Nation,” Vance defended Orban’s changes to higher education regulation, which gave the government more control over academic institutions.
Vance argued that American universities are controlled by left-wing foundations rather than taxpayers, and advocated for more oversight on how taxpayer money is spent in higher education. He emphasized the need for universities to fulfill their role in educating students effectively and not burdening them with excessive student debt.
While distancing himself from some of Orban’s anti-democratic reforms, Vance praised the Hungarian leader’s approach to university governance, suggesting that the US could learn from Orban’s decisions. Vance’s support for Orban comes as he has aligned himself closely with former President Trump, potentially positioning himself as a contender for Trump’s running mate in the future.
Vance’s comments have drawn criticism and raised concerns about government interference in academic freedom and independence. As the debate over the role of government in higher education continues, Vance’s stance on university regulation is likely to spark further discussion and debate among policymakers and the public.