Orbán's Influence Sparks Concern Among Republicans

Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán is increasingly influencing U.S. conservative circles, particularly among allies of former President Donald Trump, raising concerns among GOP foreign policy experts. At an October 2022 event co-sponsored by the Conservative Partnership Institute (CPI), attendees received pamphlets promoting pro-Russian viewpoints and calling for reduced U.S. aid to Ukraine. Critics, including former officials from the Bush administration, argue that this reflects a broader Russian influence campaign infiltrating U.S. politics. Trump's praise for Orbán's leadership and their shared ideologies, including opposition to supporting Ukraine, have alarmed traditional Republicans. Orbán's connections with authoritarian regimes and funding of U.S. conservative think tanks further complicate the political landscape. Overall, mainstream Republican officials worry that these developments pose a threat to U.S. national security and Western alliances.