US Democracy Under Threat: Trump’s Governance Mirrors Hungary’s Orbán

Donald Trump signs executive orders in the Oval Office of the White House on Tuesday.

A sweeping crackdown on immigration, a hardline approach to law enforcement, and an aggressive purge of progressive ideologies—Donald Trump’s second term as U.S. president is drawing striking parallels to the governance style of Hungary’s Prime Minister Viktor Orbán. Analysts warn that the "Orbánisation" of America has begun, raising significant concerns about the future of democracy in the country.

Since returning to office, Trump has taken rapid and unprecedented actions to consolidate power, remove opposition, and reshape institutions. Backed by tech billionaire Elon Musk, he has dismissed critics, weakened federal agencies, and tested the boundaries of presidential authority. Many of these moves have sparked legal challenges, with courts serving as one of the last barriers against the administration’s sweeping measures.

Orbán’s Influence on Trump’s America

Orbán, often referred to as “Trump before Trump,” has long been admired by the former U.S. president and his Make America Great Again (MAGA) movement. The Hungarian leader’s decade-long control of media, judicial institutions, and public universities has set a precedent that Trump appears to be following.

Orbán’s governance model includes rewriting the constitution to centralize power, controlling state funds to reward allies and punish opponents, and leveraging media influence to shape public opinion. The prime minister has effectively silenced dissenting voices while using nationalism and “family values” rhetoric to maintain public support. Many of these strategies have now found their way into U.S. politics.

A Radical Reshaping of U.S. Institutions

Trump’s second term has seen sweeping changes across multiple government institutions. On his first day back in office, he issued mass pardons for over 1,500 individuals involved in the January 6, 2021, Capitol riot, including those convicted of violent attacks against law enforcement. Federal prosecutors and FBI agents involved in Trump-related investigations have been targeted for dismissal, leading to concerns about political retribution.

Chris Murphy, a Democratic senator from Connecticut, voiced concerns over the administration’s approach, stating, "They are copying the path taken by other would-be dictators like Viktor Orbán. There’s a push for state-controlled media, a judiciary that appears poised to prosecute political opponents, and an executive branch bypassing congressional authority."

Trump’s allies, including Vice President J.D. Vance, media figure Tucker Carlson, and the Heritage Foundation’s Kevin Roberts, have praised Orbán’s model as a blueprint for conservative governance. The Heritage Foundation’s "Project 2025" outlines a far-right agenda that aligns with the policies Trump has rapidly implemented.

Musk’s Expanding Influence in Washington

Perhaps the most unexpected development is Musk’s deep involvement in federal decision-making. As the owner of social media platform X (formerly Twitter) and a major government contractor, Musk has positioned himself as a key figure in the administration. His “Department of Government Efficiency” (Doge) team has been granted access to sensitive Treasury Department data, raising concerns about conflicts of interest and financial transparency.

In one of the most drastic moves, Musk’s allies orchestrated a physical takeover of the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), locking employees out of their offices. He has also influenced staffing decisions within the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) and pushed for drastic budget cuts across federal agencies.

The shift towards a right-wing media ecosystem is also evident. Trump has filed lawsuits against major news organizations, some of which have settled. His administration has replaced mainstream media outlets in the White House press room with more Trump-friendly journalists. Meanwhile, conservative influencers have gained direct access to policymaking, further undermining traditional press oversight.

Political Repression and Legal Battles

A growing number of legal experts and political analysts warn that the administration’s actions are undermining fundamental democratic principles. Trump has openly threatened to investigate and prosecute political opponents. Edward Martin, the interim U.S. attorney for Washington, D.C., has warned that anyone who "impedes" the administration’s efforts could face legal consequences.

Senator Murphy emphasized the escalating climate of fear, stating, "It started with pardoning the January 6 rioters. Now, everyone knows they risk retaliation if they oppose Trump. Federal funding is being directed toward loyalists while those who dissent are marginalized."

Despite efforts by Democrats to resist these changes, their position as the minority party has left them with limited tools to push back. Even moderate Republicans have largely remained silent, demonstrating the GOP’s continued loyalty to Trump.

The Judiciary as the Last Line of Defense

For now, the federal courts have managed to block some of Trump’s most controversial measures, including efforts to strip birthright citizenship, gut the federal workforce, and freeze state funding. However, constitutional scholars warn that the administration’s disregard for congressional authority and its erosion of institutional checks and balances present a dire threat to democracy.

Larry Jacobs, director of the Center for the Study of Politics and Governance at the University of Minnesota, summed up the growing concerns: “You’d have to have your eyes fully closed not to be deeply concerned about the vacuum Trump is operating in. In a real sense, U.S. democracy has died this month. It doesn’t mean it’s gone forever, but at this moment, our representative system is no longer functioning as the framers intended.”

As Trump’s second term unfolds, the fate of American democracy hangs in the balance. Whether the courts, Congress, or civil society can push back against this unprecedented power shift remains an open and urgent question.