In a recent gathering at Mar-a-Lago, former President Donald Trump commended Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán, hailing him as a remarkable leader. Videos posted on Orbán's Instagram account captured Trump's enthusiastic praise, stating that Orbán is "better, smarter, and a fantastic leader." Trump highlighted Orbán's reputation as a noncontroversial figure, asserting that he commands respect both in Europe and around the world.

The meeting between Trump and Orbán emphasized the former president's inclination to embrace global strongmen, sometimes at the expense of traditional US allies. Sources familiar with the matter revealed that Trump, along with a small group of close advisers, had an hour-long "social meeting" with Orbán. Although the meeting did not have a specific agenda, a readout from Trump's campaign disclosed that they discussed various issues affecting both Hungary and the United States, including the significance of strong and secure borders to protect national sovereignty.

Following their meeting, Trump took Orbán to a tribute concert exclusively held for club members at Mar-a-Lago. The concert, titled "Orchestral Elegance Meets Rock Legends," featured tribute performances by The Beatles and Rolling Stones, along with the Palm Beach Symphony. A video posted on social media captured Orbán presenting a bouquet of flowers to former First Lady Melania Trump during the concert.

Notably, the Biden administration did not extend an invitation for Orbán to meet with President Joe Biden, and Orbán did not request a meeting with the White House during his US visit. President Biden expressed concern over the Mar-a-Lago talks, suggesting that he found the meeting between Orbán and Trump worrying. Biden referred to Orbán's far-right populism, staunch anti-immigration rhetoric, Christian nationalism, and opposition to LGBTQ rights, which have made him an ideological model for Trump's "Make America Great Again" followers.

While the Biden administration has largely refrained from commenting on Orbán's meetings with Trump, President Biden seized the opportunity to address the visit during a rally in Pennsylvania. Biden criticized Orbán's views on democracy, highlighting his belief that democracy does not work and implying that Orbán seeks a dictatorship. Biden emphasized his commitment to defending and strengthening democracy.

The admiration shown by Trump towards Orbán further cements the former president's history of aligning with strong leaders worldwide. As the political landscape evolves, the implications of such alliances continue to be a topic of interest and concern for many.