Trump sparks firestorm for attempting to 'buy votes' for dictator

President Donald Trump followed up his endorsement of Hungary's authoritarian prime minister Viktor Orban with a post to Truth Social on Friday.

"My Administration stands ready to use the full Economic Might of the United States to strengthen Hungary’s Economy, as we have done for our Great Allies in the past, if Prime Minister Viktor Orbán and the Hungarian People ever need it," Trump wrote. "We are excited to invest in the future Prosperity that will be generated by Orbán’s continued Leadership!"

Orban has long been compared to a dictator by outside observers, as he has spent 16 years consolidating power, bending institutions to his will, and moving for the press to be owned by individuals loyal to him. Recent polls, however, have suggested his Fidesz party is in grave danger of being toppled from power.

Trump's push for Orban earned an avalanche of criticism from commenters on social media.

"Two days before Hungary’s election, Trump pledges to buy votes for Viktor Orban with US taxpayer dollars," wrote Meidas Touch editor-in-chief Ron Filipkowski.

"So I’m confused: does this administration condemn countries who interfere in other countries’ politics or encourage it?" wrote talk show host Chuck Todd.

"Orban has done exactly nothing for us," wrote Jesse Lee, who previously did communications for former President Joe Biden.

"That smarmy [expletive] @JDVance just went to Hungary to stump for Orban and whined about election interference from Brussels, and then Trump says this," wrote podcaster and former Obama administration adviser Tommy Vietor.