Trump calls Hungary PM Viktor Orban a 'non-controversial figure' while meeting him at Mar-a-Lago

PALM BEACH, FLORIDA: Former President Donald Trump met with Prime Minister of Hungary Viktor Orban at the former's Mar-a-Lago resort in Florida on Friday, March 8, reported the Associated Press.

The ex-president praised the Hungarian leader while hosting him at the luxury resort.

In the video posted on Orban's Instagram account, Trump was seen lauding the Prime Minister, describing him as a "non-controversial figure."

"He's a non-controversial figure because he says, 'This is the way it's going to be', and that's the end of it. Right?" the White House hopeful said about Orban, adding, "He's the boss."

This is not the first time Trump is lauding the Hungarian Prime Minister. During a campaign speech in January, he described Orban as a "great man" and "great leader of Europe."

Trump's campaign after the meeting said that both men discussed "a wide range of issues affecting Hungary and the United States, including the paramount importance of strong and secure borders to protect the sovereignty of each nation."

The meeting cemented the former president's love for authoritarian rulers as he awaits to officially become the GOP presumptive nominee for a rematch with President Joe Biden in November.

He had previously admired authoritarian rulers like Russian President Vladimir Putin, Chinese President Xi Jinping, and North Korea's Supreme Leader Kim Jong Un.

Melania Trump makes a surprise appearance at dinner with Viktor Orban

A highlight of Orban's Mar-a-Lago visit was the appearance of former First Lady Melania Trump, who donned a White Suit alongside her husband and the Hungarian leader.

Orban took to Instagram to share footage of Melania dubbing her "Pretty Woman." The video clip shows him surprising her with a large bouquet.

The ex-First Lady, rarely seen with her husband on the campaign trail, was met with a rapturous reception as she entered the grand ballroom with Trump.

Joe Biden's response to Viktor Orban's Mar-a-Lago visit

Biden emphasized Orban's dictatorial rule while commenting on his visit to Trump in Palm Beach.

"You know who he's meeting with today down in Mar-a-Lago? Orban of Hungary, who's stated flatly that he doesn't think democracy works, he's looking for dictatorship," the president stated while campaigning in Pennsylvania.

"I see a future where we defend democracy, not diminish it," he added.

After becoming Prime Minister in 2010, Orban's party, Fidesz rewrote Hungary's constitution, changing the retirement age for judges, forcing many into early retirement, and installing a single political appointee who allegedly acted on Fidesz's behalf to appoint new judges.

Orban also supported Trump's presidential run, motivating him to "keep fighting" after he was hit with his first criminal indictment last year.

Internet reacts

Netizens were appalled by Trump praising Orban, who is infamous for his authoritarian tendencies.

One user described it as "Terrifying!"

"And yet there are still some people, including here in Canada, who dismiss warnings of democratic backsliding if Trump wins again as fear-mongering," another person remarked.

A user added, "I hope we all find someone in life we love as much as Trump loves fascist dictators."

"Shocker, Trump praising dictators. It’s what he does. If this doesn’t concern you, you’re not American," one response read.

Someone else criticized Trump, saying, "A few years ago this would be disqualifying. His political career would be over. How far we’ve fallen."

"Imagine idolizing the leader of Hungary for Gods sake, what a loser," another outraged user wrote.

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