Trump cites Hungary’s Orbán in debate against Harris

During a recent presidential debate, former President Donald Trump defended his foreign policy by referencing his relationship with Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán. He claimed that Orbán, regarded as a strong leader, indicated that global instability was a result of Trump's absence from the presidency. Trump asserted that leaders from countries like China, North Korea, and Russia were fearful of him, suggesting that his leadership was effective in maintaining international order. Vice President Kamala Harris countered Trump's claims by highlighting his admiration for authoritarian leaders and criticizing his record on national security. She argued that Trump's approach has been detrimental and that he has shown weakness in foreign policy matters. Harris emphasized that it is widely recognized that Trump has a tendency to support dictators, which undermines democratic values. In response to Harris's accusations, Trump claimed that Russian President Vladimir Putin had endorsed her, framing it as a significant point despite experts suggesting it was part of a disinformation strategy to benefit Trump. This exchange illustrated the contrasting views on leadership and foreign relations between the two candidates. The debate showcased the ongoing divide in American politics regarding foreign policy, with Trump appealing to populist sentiments and Harris advocating for a more traditional democratic approach. The discussion around Orbán reflects a broader trend of some conservative leaders embracing autocratic figures, raising questions about the implications for U.S. foreign policy and democratic norms.