BUDAPEST, Hungary — Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán has expressed his admiration for the current U.S. administration’s decision to limit foreign aid, particularly through the United States Agency for International Development (USAID). In a recent statement, Orbán described this shift as a “new wind” in international politics, dubbing it the “Trump tornado” in reference to former President Donald Trump’s influence on U.S. foreign policy.
Orbán’s comments came via a post on X, the social media platform formerly known as Twitter, where he criticized domestic non-governmental organizations (NGOs) that receive funding from USAID. He accused these organizations of intentionally supporting left-wing political agendas and attempting to undermine his government. “Now is the moment when these international networks have to be taken down; they have to be swept away,” he stated, asserting that it is necessary to make their existence “legally impossible.”
The Hungarian Prime Minister has long been vocal about his belief that NGOs and media outlets are serving foreign interests, which he claims threaten Hungary’s sovereignty. In a recent interview on The Tucker Carlson Show, he reiterated these views, suggesting that U.S. taxpayer money is being used to finance opposition groups in Hungary, thereby subverting democracy.
Orbán’s remarks reflect a broader narrative he has constructed around the influence of what he terms the “liberal deep state.” He accused Western elites of using taxpayer funds to spread ideologies that he believes are detrimental to national sovereignty and traditional values. “The liberal elite of the West use the taxpayers’ money of United States citizens to spread their ideology all around the world,” he claimed, pointing to the funding of over 60 NGOs in Hungary that he alleges are aligned with leftist political movements.
The Prime Minister also criticized the motivations behind these ideologies, questioning why Western leaders would promote policies such as open borders and progressive social agendas. He suggested that these policies are not only misguided but also serve the interests of speculators who benefit from destabilizing national governments.
Orbán’s comments come at a time of heightened political tension in Europe, particularly regarding migration and national identity. He emphasized that decisions about immigration should be made by individual nations rather than imposed by external forces, such as the European Union or the United States. “Let us make our own decisions,” he stated, asserting Hungary’s right to control its borders and immigration policies.
The Prime Minister’s statements resonate with a growing sentiment among political parties and leaders in Europe who are pushing back against liberal immigration policies and advocating for a return to traditional values. Orbán’s government remains steadfast in its belief that these measures are necessary to protect Hungary’s sovereignty and cultural identity.
As Orbán continues to align himself with the vision of the Trump administration, his comments reflect a broader trend among leaders in Europe who are seeking to capitalize on discontent with established political norms and the perceived failures of liberal governance.