During the recent presidential debate, former President Donald Trump praised Hungary's Prime Minister Viktor Orbán, highlighting his leadership style and suggesting that global leaders, including those from China, North Korea, and Russia, were 'afraid' of Trump during his presidency. Trump used Orbán's support to counter Vice President Kamala Harris's claims that world leaders are laughing at him, asserting that Orbán is a respected 'strong man' and smart leader. Orbán, known for his authoritarian policies and anti-LGBTQ+ stance, has previously expressed admiration for Trump. Harris responded by criticizing Trump for his admiration of authoritarian leaders and labeling him as weak on foreign policy. The debate came on the heels of polling indicating that Trump's supporters are increasingly drawn to authoritarian views, particularly among Republicans and white evangelical Protestants. This exchange reflects ongoing tensions in U.S. politics regarding foreign relations and the perception of authoritarianism.