The Daily Observer London Desk: Reporter- Donna Robert
Former President Donald Trump seemed to mix up the leaders of Hungary and Turkey in a speech in New Hampshire on Monday.
Speaking on the campaign trail in Derry, Mr. Trump mentioned Viktor Orbán, who is popular among some U.S. conservatives.
“I was very honored, there’s a man, Viktor Orbán,” Mr. Trump said. “He’s probably, like, one of the strongest leaders anywhere in the world. Right? He’s the leader of Turkey.”
Mr. Orbán is the prime minister of Hungary, while Recep Tayyip Erdoğan is the president of Turkey.
Mr. Trump also said Mr. Orbán has a “front” with Russia, though neither Hungary nor Turkey has a land border with Russia.
The ex-president mixed up his European leaders during remarks on the number of global conflicts that are unfolding while President Biden is in office. Mr. Trump also frequently criticizes Mr. Biden for his verbal flubs.
Mr. Orbán has emerged as a hero for some on the political right for his stance on migration and others issues. He hosted the Conservative Political Action Conference’s first summit in Europe in 2022.
Critics say Mr. Orbán is eroding democratic institutions in Hungary.
Mr. Trump and Mr. Orbán support each other and have met in person. When Mr. Trump was indicted earlier this year, Mr. Orbán posted: “Keep on fighting, Mr. President! We are with you.”
