Former US President Donald Trump met with Hungary’s Prime Minister Viktor Orbán, further solidifying their relationship based on shared views on strong borders, nationalism, and skepticism toward international institutions like NATO. This meeting underlines the affinity between Trump and Orbán, both known for their anti-immigration stance and concerns about their countries’ sovereignty. The gathering has sparked discussions regarding the impact on American democracy, especially with the looming 2024 presidential election and concerns about Trump potentially drawing inspiration from Orbán’s authoritarian leanings. Hungary under Orbán has experienced a democratic backslide, raising alarms about the implications of Trump’s admiration for such governance models.

In a separate development, the White House hosted discussions between US President Joe Biden and Irish Taoiseach Leo Varadkar, focusing on the escalating conflict in Gaza. Both leaders called for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza and emphasized the necessity of a two-state solution to ensure lasting peace in the Middle East. The meeting underlined the parallels between efforts to ensure peace in Northern Ireland and the current situation in Gaza. Varadkar, in his visit coinciding with St. Patrick’s Day, also highlighted the importance of US support for Ireland and Ukraine amid ongoing international crises. Discussions also covered the resumption of powersharing in Northern Ireland and economic relations between the US and Ireland, demonstrating the multifaceted nature of US-Ireland dialogue on both domestic and international issues.