Trump Backs Orban, Stirs Controversy

0:00It's March 26, I'm Cory with the story, and this is Toronto News today. Local news powered by AI. US President Donald Trump has thrown his full support behind Hungarian Prime Minister Victor Orban's bid for a six-term. Trump endorsed Orban on Truth Social this week, marking at least his third public backing this year alone. Top administration officials like Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Senator JD Vance have visited Hungary to show solidarity ahead of the election. Meanwhile, American conservatives have long admired Orban's tough stance on immigration, family policies, and national sovereignty. Groups like the Heritage Foundation see his approach as a model, with some parallels to Trump's second-term priorities on media influence and displays of Christianity and government. Democrats have pushed back hard, with Senator Ruben Gallego calling out Rubio's past concerns about Hungary's democratic slide. Orban's camp has rallied endorsements from leaders in Israel, Italy, and Argentina, plus

1:02unexpected voices like actor Rob Schneider to counter his. Challenger Peter Magyar, a former Orban ally now leading the center-right to the party. Poll show Orban facing his toughest race yet, fueled by bitterness over Ukraine tensions, including a damaged Russian oil pipeline and blocked EU. Magyar has accused Orban's team of treason over alleged secret calls to Russia, which officials dismissed as fake news. As hungry heads to the polls, questions linger on whether Trump's cheerleading will boost Orban or spark a backlash much like U.S. meddling. Influence recent votes in Canada, Australia, and Denmark.