Trump Touted Close Ties with 'Strongman' Leader Viktor Orban, Drawing Attention to Foreign Policy in Debate

Former President Trump boasted about his relationship with Hungarian Prime Minister Orban during Tuesday's presidential debate, claiming that he was feared by adversaries like China and Russia. Trump defended his foreign policy record and criticized the Biden administration's approach, citing the Ukraine invasion.

During Tuesday night's presidential debate, former President Trump highlighted his foreign policy credentials, emphasizing the strong relationships he developed with leaders across the globe, including Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban. Trump lauded Orban as a "tough person" and a "smart prime minister," adding that he had expressed a desire for Trump's return as president out of fear.

Trump claimed that Orban stated that China and Russia were apprehensive of him. "China was afraid of him. He said Russia was afraid of him," Trump recounted. The former president asserted that the absence of problems during his presidency was a testament to his effectiveness.

Trump Touted Close Ties with 'Strongman' Leader Viktor Orban, Drawing Attention to Foreign Policy in Debate

Responding to Vice President Harris's accusations that he admired and sought to emulate dictators, Trump pointed out Russian President Vladimir Putin's endorsement of her. He argued that the invasion of Ukraine would not have occurred under his leadership, citing his familiarity with Putin.

Trump criticized the Biden administration's handling of foreign affairs, particularly the XL pipeline and the approval of a Russian gas pipeline to Europe. He contrasted his more interventionist approach, including the use of force against Iran and diplomatic engagements with Putin and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un.

Trump Touted Close Ties with 'Strongman' Leader Viktor Orban, Drawing Attention to Foreign Policy in Debate

Trump and Orban enjoyed a cordial relationship during Trump's presidency, marked by friendly encounters and a shared admiration for each other's leadership styles. Orban gained attention by prematurely leaving a NATO summit to meet with Trump in Florida, expressing his belief in Trump's ability to resolve the Ukrainian conflict.

Orban, who assumed the presidency of the European Union on a rotating basis, jokingly declared that Hungary would "make Europe great again." He reportedly questioned Biden's chances of reelection, comparing NATO allies supporting him to the Titanic's passengers playing violins as the ship sank.

Trump Touted Close Ties with 'Strongman' Leader Viktor Orban, Drawing Attention to Foreign Policy in Debate

Trump's visit with Orban during his March visit to the U.S. illustrated the former president's continued interest in foreign policy and his preference for engaging with conservative figures like Orban. His praise of Orban and his self-proclaimed fearlessness underscore his belief in a strongman approach to leadership.

The foreign policy debate in Tuesday's presidential debate highlighted the contrasting viewpoints of Trump and Harris, with Trump emphasizing his personal connections and Harris criticizing his admiration for authoritarian leaders. Trump's reliance on Orban as an ally and his defense of his actions in Ukraine reflect his unwavering belief in his foreign policy approach, which he believes kept adversaries in check and prevented conflict.

Trump Touted Close Ties with 'Strongman' Leader Viktor Orban, Drawing Attention to Foreign Policy in Debate