Viktor Orban's Hungary is the model for the Trump/Musk playbook.

More accurate than calling Trump a fascist is describing him as a new authoritarian. There are plenty of far-right leaders in Europe and elsewhere who he can be compared to. The best possible comparison for what is now happening in America is what Viktor Orban's Fidesz Party did in Hungary. Albeit the Trump Whitehouse is moving much quicker.

https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2025/feb/07/trump-viktor-orban-electoral-autocracy

A long read on what has happened in Hungary is here:

https://www.journalofdemocracy.org/articles/how-viktor-orban-wins/

I was worried about America before the election and I thought that the new administration would be more cohesive and united. It is. Also, I was concerned because of what Project 2025 said about 'Unitary Executive Theory.' This is worse than I expected though. Americans should be alarmed. Those who thought the criticism of Trump being authoritarian was hyperbolic are ignoring the fact that he didn't have a unified team behind him last time and was blocked from doing everything he wanted. It's not the case now.

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MartinII · 70-79, M

What exactly is "far right", in your opinion, about Trump or Orban? I'm not seeking to make a point, just interested to know what your analysis is.

Burnley123 · 41-45, M

@MartinII Sure. If you read the articles: that will show you my definition

MartinII · 70-79, M

@Burnley123 I'm sorry, but I have an aversion to relying on third party articles. I don't mind reading them, but I'd like to hear it in your own words.

uikakarotuevegeta · 26-30

@Burnley123 so basically you can't come up with your own thoughts, and have to parrot what the MSM tells you; or am I strawmanning you

uikakarotuevegeta · 26-30

@MartinII to the far left, anyone who's even remotely a legitimate conservative is far right to them; they've gone so left that a centrist like me is considered to be right wing to them, and Pew Research Centre noted how it's college white kids that are the most leftist.

Burnley123 · 41-45, M

@uikakarotuevegeta Really not

MartinII · 70-79, M

@uikakarotuevegeta Even some centrists seem to regard ordinary conservatives as "far right"! It is, of course, an expression used much more frequently, and more pejoratively, than "far left".

basilfawlty89 · 36-40, M

@MartinII when you're debating whether LGBT people should have basic rights, or if Native Americans should be counted as citizens, I'd say you've moved pretty far right and authoritarian.

MartinII · 70-79, M

@basilfawlty89 People on both left and right may be authoritarian, more on the left than on the right at the moment in my opinion. But even right-wing authoritarians are not necessarily "far" right, unless you are looking at them through deep pink spectacles.

Burnley123 · 41-45, M

@MartinII Or unless you avoid looking at what is going on in America, right now!

MartinII · 70-79, M

@Burnley123 Is Trump "far right"? He's very unpleasant and undesirable in some respects, certainly. I just feel it's lazy language.

Burnley123 · 41-45, M

@MartinII Sigh.

I'm actually a stickler for traditional political definitions. I also hate strawmanming people so I do not say things without reasons. You have fairly asked so I will explain.

He is not a nazi. You can make a case for or against him being a fascist. Is it acceptable to call him far-right?

I think so.

He's an ultra-nationalist who does not respect the rule of law or any political conventions. He uses threats and bullying to get his way. He incited an insurrection to try to overturn a legitimate election. He is right now, sidelining congress and court orders to impose his own agenda.

He is to the right of traditional conservatives (like yourself) and he is supported by US far right militia groups like the Proud Boys.

I do not think calling him far-right is a stretch.

What had previously happened in countries of 'the developing world' is now happening in America.

MartinII · 70-79, M

@Burnley123 Thanks for that. I agree with everything you say, except ... Are the things you rightly mention and condemn specifically far-right? He's not so much to the right of traditional conservatives as completely different from them, it seems to me. And of course one could cite examples of so-called left-wing governments behaving in comparable ways. I just think it's better to criticise without labelling. But I don't think we are too far apart on this.

Burnley123 · 41-45, M

@MartinII It also depends what you mean on a case by case basis. I'll criticise the left if I think it's fair