Orbán's playbook: how hungary's authoritarianism mirrors trump's media assault
Viktor Orbán, Hungary’s increasingly isolated prime minister, isn’t merely threatening to purge “bought journalists” and “fake civil society organizations” – he’s actively exporting a model of media repression now being emulated by Donald Trump. The parallels are stark, and the implications for democratic norms are deeply troubling.
The hungarian blueprint: a decade of erosion
Orbán’s 16-year tenure has witnessed a systematic dismantling of independent media in Hungary. It began with a 2010 media law that effectively handed control of the sector to government loyalists. The result? A media landscape where roughly 80% of outlets are now directly or indirectly controlled by Fidesz, Orbán’s party, according to Reporters Without Borders. This isn’t just about ownership; it's about control of the narrative. Orbán routinely dehumanizes journalists, branding them “fake news factories” and worse, employing language reminiscent of a siege mentality. The recent targeting of Szabolcs Panyi, an investigative journalist alleging the foreign minister’s collusion with Russia, with spurious espionage charges, exemplifies this tactic – a clear attempt to silence critical voices.
Trump's echo: slapps and regulatory capture
But the story doesn't end in Hungary. Donald Trump, openly admiring of Orbán, has taken a page from his playbook. We’re not talking about mere rhetoric; Trump’s actions are mirroring Orbán’s authoritarian tactics. The use of Strategic Lawsuits Against Public Participation (SLAPPs) – costly, frivolous lawsuits designed to drain resources from independent media – is a prime example. Trump has unleashed a barrage of these against outlets like ABC News and the New York Times, a tactic mirroring Orbán’s relentless legal attacks. Beyond lawsuits, Trump is leveraging the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), now under the influence of Brendan Carr, to consolidate media ownership and silence dissent.
The FCC, traditionally an independent body, is now effectively an arm of the Trump campaign. Carr has openly acknowledged the lack of independence, and recent actions – approving media mergers that consolidate power in the hands of Trump allies and issuing regulatory threats – demonstrate a clear pattern of “anticipatory obedience,” as historian Timothy Snyder describes it.
Democracy's decline: a warning sign
The V-Dem Institute’s report showing US democracy at its lowest point since the 1960s should serve as a stark warning. The erosion of media freedom is a key indicator of democratic backsliding. Unlike Hungary, which faces some regional oversight from the European Union, the US lacks a comparable check on executive power. Left unchecked, Trump’s campaign of media repression could surpass even Orbán’s achievements in dismantling independent reporting. The recent, politically charged arrests of journalists like Don Lemon further illustrate a worrying trend.
The situation demands vigilance. While Hungarian independent outlets have persevered through civic trust and innovative funding, the global community, particularly Americans and Europeans who champion a free press, must recognize the interconnectedness of these threats. The echoes of Orbán’s tactics in Trump’s actions are a chilling reminder that the fight for media freedom is a global one.
The long game
As Hungary heads to the polls next Sunday, the world should be watching. The survival of independent media isn't just a local issue; it’s a test of democratic resilience. The methods Orbán and Trump are using are not new, but their willingness to weaponize them against the press is a dangerous escalation. The era of cozy relationships between political power and media outlets is over. The stakes are higher than ever.