Former President Donald Trump met with Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban on Friday, as part of his ongoing support for autocratic leaders while campaigning for a potential American presidency re-election. Orban's visit to the United States also included a stop in Washington, where he delivered a speech at the Heritage Foundation, a conservative think tank with close ties to Trump.

The timing of Orban's appearance at the Heritage Foundation is notable, as it coincided with President Biden's State of the Union address, which took place just blocks away from the think tank's headquarters in the Capitol. This visit is unusual, with a foreign leader paying a visit to the United States, including a stop in the nation's capital, but without meeting with the sitting president and instead meeting with his political rival.

Trump has repeatedly praised Orban over the years, commending his perceived strength in leadership. In 2019, he even hosted Orban at the White House, a gesture that was intentionally not extended by the previous two American presidents. However, Orban has faced criticism for undermining democratic institutions in Hungary since coming to power in 2010. The Hungarian leader has championed restrictions on LGBTQ+ rights and immigration, while tightening control over the country's judiciary and press.

After his appearance at the Heritage Foundation, Orban emphasized the "common ground for cooperation between the conservative forces of Europe and the US," highlighting issues such as supporting families, combating illegal migration, and defending national sovereignty. Following this, Orban traveled to Palm Beach, Florida, to meet with Trump at his Mar-a-Lago estate. The meeting carried symbolic weight, with both leaders formally greeting each other on a red carpet, flanked by American and Hungarian flags.

During their meetings at Mar-a-Lago, the two leaders discussed various issues affecting Hungary and the United States, including the significance of strong and secure borders to protect national sovereignty, according to the Trump campaign. The day culminated in an evening concert inside the estate, where Trump praised Orban as a "great leader" and characterized him as someone who unapologetically asserts his authority.

Orban reciprocated his support for Trump, stating that the world needs respected leaders who can bring peace, and referring to Trump as one of them. However, President Biden criticized the Trump-Orban meeting, pointing out that it exemplifies Trump's authoritarian tendencies. Biden emphasized the importance of defending democracy rather than diminishing it.

President Biden's remarks came after he hosted Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson at the State of the Union address, celebrating Sweden's entry into the NATO alliance. Orban initially resisted Sweden's bid to join the alliance, as well as the European Union's aid to Ukraine during its conflict with Russia. Orban has maintained close ties with Russian President Vladimir Putin, despite ongoing tensions between Russia and the West due to the war.

As Trump continues to embrace autocratic leaders like Orban, the meeting raises questions about the direction of US foreign policy and the global perception of American democracy.