Donald Trump

Matt Welch | 2.6.2026 3:15 PM

President Donald Trump on Thursday did what few American presidents have ever done—issue explicit electoral endorsements to foreign candidates for the highest political office in electoral democracies.

"[Japanese] Prime Minister [Sanae] Takaichi is someone who deserves powerful recognition for the job she and her Coalition are doing and, therefore, as President of the United States of America, it is my Honor to give a Complete and Total Endorsement of her, and what her highly respected Coalition is representing," the president Truth-Socialed Thursday afternoon, ahead of Japan's snap elections this weekend.

Minutes later, Trump reiterated the favor for longtime Hungarian Prime Minister (and role model for America's illiberal-conservative movement) Viktor Orbán, who faces a more uphill struggle in his country's April elections. Orbán, the president stated, is

a truly strong and powerful Leader, with a proven track record of delivering phenomenal results. He fights tirelessly for, and loves, his Great Country and People, just like I do for the United States of America. Viktor works hard to Protect Hungary, Grow the Economy, Create Jobs, Promote Trade, Stop Illegal Immigration, and Ensure LAW AND ORDER! Relations between Hungary and the United States have reached new heights of cooperation and spectacular achievement under my Administration, thanks largely to Prime Minister Orbán. I look forward to continuing working closely with him so that both of our Countries can further advance this tremendous path to SUCCESS and cooperation. I was proud to ENDORSE Viktor for Re-Election in 2022, and am honored to do so again. Viktor Orbán is a true friend, fighter, and WINNER, and has my Complete and Total Endorsement for Re-Election as Prime Minister of Hungary........

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