In a striking display of political alignment, Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán has become a guiding figure for American conservatives, including former President Donald Trump. At a Conservative Political Action Committee (CPAC) event in Budapest in May 2022, Orbán urged attendees to "have your own media," a mantra that resonates with Trump’s recent attempts to reshape the media landscape in the United States. Since taking office for a second term in January 2025, Trump has mirrored Orbán’s tactics in a bid to control press narratives and consolidate power.
Orbán's influence is evident as Trump has taken decisive actions to assert control over the media. In February 2025, the Trump administration barred The Associated Press from the Oval Office after the outlet referred to the "Gulf of Mexico" rather than the president's preferred term, the "Gulf of America." This incident marked the beginning of a series of moves that would strip traditional media outlets of their roles in reporting on the presidency.
In a shocking move, Trump’s team also revoked the White House Correspondents’ Association's authority to decide which outlets would be included in the presidential press pool, a privilege that has been held by journalists for over a century. This action was part of a broader strategy to dismantle government-funded news agencies, including Voice of America, through an executive order issued in March 2025. During a televised address at the Department of Justice, Trump accused certain media outlets of operating in "total coordination" to undermine him, stating, "These networks and these newspapers are really no different than a highly paid political operative and it has to stop, it has to be illegal."
Trump’s escalating demands have led him to call on the Federal Communications Commission to punish CBS and revoke its license over a segment aired on "60 Minutes" that he found unfavorable. These actions reflect a coordinated effort to overhaul media narratives in a manner reminiscent of Orbán’s consolidation of power in Hungary, where he enacted a Media Act in 2011 that granted the state broad oversight of the press.
Orbán’s strategy involved creating a loyal media apparatus that replaced independent voices with pro-government narratives. By 2018, nearly 500 privately owned media outlets were consolidated into KESMA, a central holding company run by Orbán’s allies. This shift allowed for a uniform stream of pro-Orbán content, effectively drowning out dissenting opinions.
In the U.S., Trump appears to be following a similar path. His administration has sidelined traditional outlets such as Reuters and Bloomberg, while fostering relationships with media figures who support his agenda. The collaboration with Elon Musk, who acquired Twitter (now X) in 2022, mirrors the media acquisitions seen in Hungary, allowing Trump to amplify his messaging through a platform that caters to his supporters.
As Trump’s administration continues to reshape the media landscape, it has also expanded a parallel MAGA media universe. This network includes outlets like Steve Bannon’s War Room and Lindell TV, which not only cover the administration but actively celebrate its achievements. In a recent Oval Office press event, Real America’s Voice reporter Brian Glenn praised Trump’s accomplishments, stating, "All of your agenda that you ran on, you’re accomplishing that. You’ve got the support of the American people." Meanwhile, a correspondent from Lindell TV questioned press secretary Karoline Leavitt about Trump’s fitness plan, commenting on how he looked "healthier than ever." Such interactions highlight the administration’s aim to foster an environment of agreement and support among its media allies.
However, the implications of these actions extend beyond media control. Critics argue that Trump’s second term is marked by a troubling shift towards authoritarianism, with numerous actions that defy democratic norms. He has been accused of deporting individuals without due process, suggesting he might run for a third term, and even calling for the impeachment of judges who rule against him. The administration’s actions have raised alarms about the erosion of democratic principles, with some commentators describing it as the most lawless term in U.S. history.
Trump's foreign policy has also drawn criticism, particularly his overtures to authoritarian figures like Vladimir Putin. By embracing Putin and alienating Ukraine, Trump has rejected traditional U.S. foreign policy, raising concerns among allies. His threats to seize control of the Panama Canal and Greenland have further underscored a reckless approach to international relations.
Moreover, Trump’s economic policies have sparked fears of a recession, with economists now predicting a downturn after previously assuring that one was not imminent. His administration’s haphazard approach to tariffs, deemed a "clown show" by critics, has sent the stock market into turmoil. Former Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen described the situation as "the worst self-inflicted policy wound I’ve ever seen in my career inflicted on our economy." Investors are increasingly questioning the U.S. dollar’s status as the world’s reserve currency, a first in modern history.
As Trump continues to draw inspiration from Orbán’s playbook, the implications for American democracy are profound. The consolidation of media power, the undermining of traditional press functions, and the embrace of authoritarian tactics pose significant challenges to the democratic fabric of the nation. While some conservatives may celebrate these changes, the long-term consequences for freedom of the press and democratic accountability remain uncertain.
In this evolving political landscape, the lessons from Hungary serve as a cautionary tale for the United States. As Trump’s administration forges ahead with its agenda, the echoes of Orbán’s influence can be seen in the strategies employed to reshape public discourse and consolidate power.
