1. United States
2. Texas
3. Letter

I am writing out of deep concern for the trajectory of our democracy under Donald Trump’s leadership. It is no secret that Trump has openly praised Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán, calling him “fantastic” and “a great leader.” But what exactly is Trump admiring? Under Orbán, Hungary has shifted from a democracy into a one-party, authoritarian system, where elections are rigged, the judiciary is controlled, the press is silenced, and dissent is crushed. Orbán has weakened legislative power, rewritten election laws, packed courts with loyalists, and turned Hungary’s economy into an oligarchy benefiting only his allies. He has attacked NGOs, universities, and opposition voices while embracing nationalist, anti-EU rhetoric. Sound familiar? Trump and his allies are following this exact blueprint. We have already seen: • Attacks on the judiciary – smearing judges who rule against him and demanding total control over the DOJ. • Election interference – pushing for state takeovers of voting processes and casting doubt on any results he doesn’t like. • Silencing dissent – calling the press “the enemy of the people” and encouraging crackdowns on journalists. • Loyalty over competence – purging federal agencies of neutral professionals and replacing them with extremists who will do his bidding. • Cultivating oligarchy – rewarding billionaires who support him, like Elon Musk, while attacking businesses and institutions that don’t fall in line. And now, the Hungarian people are fighting back. Tens of thousands took to the streets in Budapest this week, protesting against Orbán’s unchecked power and the economic struggles his rule has caused. This should be a warning to America—when a leader consolidates power, it may seem effective at first, but the people always push back when they realize they’ve lost their democracy. The question I must ask Congress is this: Are we going to stand by and watch as America follows Hungary into authoritarianism? Orbán’s system may work for those in power, but the Hungarian people are suffering—the economy is faltering, corruption is rampant, and their standing in the EU is at risk. Is this what you want for America? We need immediate legislative action to protect our democratic institutions before it is too late. That means: 1. Strengthening checks and balances to prevent executive overreach. 2. Protecting the judiciary from political interference. 3. Ensuring free and fair elections, without partisan tampering. 4. Safeguarding the press and civil society from government suppression. The warning signs are flashing bright red. If Trump succeeds in bringing Orbán-style rule to the U.S., there may be no turning back. Where do you stand?