In the recent presidential debate, Vice President Kamala Harris challenged Donald Trump's claim that he engendered international respect as the President of the United States. Harris boldly stated that world leaders were actually laughing at Trump. In response, Trump once again referenced Viktor Orbán, the Prime Minister of Hungary, whom he sees as a respected "strongman."

Orbán's supposed endorsement of Trump's presidency has been a recurring theme in Trump's speeches. However, it appears that Trump misunderstands the term "strongman," interpreting it as "strong man" with an emphasis on physical strength rather than its actual meaning – an autocratic leader who holds and wields power without democratic constraints.

Trump's repeated use of the term suggests a personal affinity for Orbán and other leaders with autocratic tendencies. While it's evident that Orbán supports Trump politically and recognizes him as a disruptive force in the Western world order, it is uncertain if Trump realizes that Orbán's status as a "strongman" refers to his autocratic governance style.

Trump's phrasing during his speeches further underscores his flawed understanding. In one instance, he stated, "Oh, they hate it when I talk about him because they say, 'He's a strongman; Trump loves strongmen.' I don't know, I like weak men, actually, I like weak men. I'd much rather have a weak man than a strong man. But he is a strong man." Trump's confusion between the terms "strongman" and "strong man" highlights his lack of comprehension regarding Orbán's authoritarian rule.

Notably, Trump has used the term "strong" as a compliment for individuals he favors in the past. From praising Senator John S. McCain's strength as a leader to lauding Arnold Schwarzenegger's exceptional decision-making abilities, Trump has consistently associated strength with positive attributes. This pattern could explain his misconstrued belief that "strongman" is a term of admiration.

While Trump's repeated mention of Orbán's comments may suggest admiration for his strength as a leader, Orbán's rule has witnessed the erosion of democratic institutions, thereby tarnishing Hungary's status as a full democracy. Two years ago, the European Parliament classified Hungary as an "electoral autocracy," highlighting the concentration of power within Orbán's control.

Trump's steadfast belief that Orbán's endorsement indicates strength and leadership overlooks the undermining of democratic values in Hungary. It raises concerns about Trump's inclination towards autocratic governance and his disregard for democratic constraints.

As the presidential campaign intensifies, Trump's tendency to align himself with leaders described as "strongmen" comes into question. His misunderstanding of the term and the implications it carries for democratic norms and institutions raises the need for a deeper examination of his perspective on leadership and governance.

In the end, it remains unclear whether Trump genuinely appreciates the derogatory nature of the term "strongman" or if he intentionally reinterprets it to align with his perception of strength and leadership. However, this further highlights the need for vigilance in safeguarding democratic principles in a time when strongman politics still persist.