'Not the flex he thinks it is': Trump trolled for touting Viktor Orban’s support following NY conviction
PALM BEACH, FLORIDA: Former President Donald Trump has once again stirred controversy by highlighting the support of Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban following his recent conviction in the New York hush money criminal case.
Trump’s social media post on Sunday evening, June 2, showcased Orban’s supportive message, sparking a wave of online backlash and mockery across various platforms, as reported by The Hill.
Donald Trump touts Viktor Orban's support following conviction
In the wake of Trump’s conviction, Orban took to the social platform X to voice his endorsement.
"I’ve known President @realDonaldTrump to be a man of honour. As President, he always put America first, he commanded respect around the world and used this respect to build peace," Orban penned early Friday morning, May 31. He continued, "Let the people make their verdict this November! Keep on fighting, Mr. President!"
I’ve known President @realDonaldTrump to be a man of honour. As President, he always put America first, he commanded respect around the world and used this respect to build peace. Let the people make their verdict this November! Keep on fighting, Mr. President!
— Orbán Viktor (@PM_ViktorOrban) May 31, 2024
Trump eagerly shared Orban’s message, which came after his conviction on 34 felony counts of falsifying business records.
These charges stem from a scheme to conceal potentially damaging information from the American public during the 2016 presidential election. Trump's attorneys have stated their intention to appeal the conviction.
Orban's support puts him alongside other Republican allies rallying behind Trump, the presumptive 2024 GOP nominee. Over recent years, Orban has become an icon for some conservative populists, advocating for 'illiberal democracy' with policies restricting immigration and LGBTQ+ rights, according to Associated Press.
Orban’s tenure has also seen a crackdown on press freedom and the judiciary, alongside political tactics to maintain his party’s grip on power. His close relationship with Russia stands out among European Union leaders.
Trump’s admiration for Orban is not new. The Hungarian Prime Minister’s policies and political style have resonated with the US political right, making him a frequent guest in Republican circles.
This connection was evident in May when Orban visited the US, bypassing the White House to speak at the Heritage Foundation, a conservative think tank involved in the 2025 Project—an initiative crafting a governing blueprint for Trump’s potential next term.
Orban also made a notable visit to Mar-a-Lago, Trump’s Florida compound. During this visit, he posted on Instagram, sharing footage of meetings with Trump and his staff. The prime minister was seen walking through the compound and presenting Melania Trump a large bouquet of flowers.
According to the Trump campaign, their discussions covered a wide range of issues affecting both nations, emphasizing the importance of strong and secure borders.
Donald Trump's announcement of Viktor Orban’s support sparks mockery online
The internet reacted swiftly to Trump’s announcement of Orban’s support, with many users on social media ridiculing the endorsement. One Facebook user commented, "That’s not a compliment. Orban is almost as bad as Putin."
Another remarked, "Well, what a wonderful endorsement, a ruthless dictator supports Trump, wouldn't be something most politicians would brag about, but this is Trump the egomaniac talking." "He's saving Putin and Kim Jong Un's endorsement until the nomination," one user joked.
"Trump would sing the praises of Osama Bin Laden if he supported him," said another. Someone else noted, "A wannabe dictator received support from an actual dictator after being found guilty on thirty-four felony counts in a court of law. Those anti democratic authoritarian kleptocrats gotta stick together in the face of accountability."
Additional comments included, "Trump has no idea that bragging about an Authoritarian supporting you is NOT the flex he thinks it is..." and "Desperate Donnie will take support from any dictator he can get on his side." Another user summed it up by stating, "The only world leaders on Trump’s side are authoritarians and despots. Lol."
This article contains remarks made on the Internet by individual people and organizations. MEAWW cannot confirm them independently and does not support claims or opinions being made online.
