Introduction: President Trump

This story originally appeared on
NPR’s live blog about the presidential
debate between Kamala Harris and

Donald Trump. Look how the night went.
Former President Donald Trump invoked
his close relationship with Hungarian

Prime Minister Viktor Orbán to counter
Vice President Harris’ attacks on world
leaders “laughing” at Trump during
Tuesday night’s presidential debate.

“I’m talking about world leaders

“I’m talking about world leaders. One of the most respected people is Viktor Orbán. He is called a strong man. He’s a tough guy. Smart Hungarian Prime Minister. They said, “Why is the whole world exploding?” Trump said.

“Viktor Orban is one of the most respected people, people call him ‘strong man,’ but he is tough and smart,” President Trump said.

He boasted of the support of the Prime Minister, who condemned “mixed ethnic nations”, advocated a “Europe of nation states” and contributed to the dismantling of democratic barricades in Hungary.

Trump said in the third person: China is afraid of him, North Korea is afraid of him… Russia is afraid of him.

“Because we have to get Trump back as president,” he said. China is afraid of North Korea. He added: “Russia is afraid of him.”

This response reflected President Trump’s continued support for authoritarian leadership.

Orban has become a hero to Trump supporters and other conservative populists, known for his immigration restrictions and LGBTQ+ rights. He also maintains close ties with Russia while suppressing his country’s media and judicial system.

“Mr. Trump is once again trying to distance himself from reality,” Harris said. He says he is known for respecting dictators and that’s what he wanted from the start.

Trump responded that Russian President Vladimir Putin supported Harris.

“Putin endorsed him last week,” Trump said, arguing that it was a serious statement, although many experts said it was part of a Russian disinformation campaign in Trump’s favor.