Reaffirm U.S. Commitment to Democracy, Reject Support for Authoritarian Leaders

Reaffirm U.S. Commitment to Democracy, Reject Support for Authoritarian Leaders Dear Members of Congress,   I am writing to express deep concern over public statements of support by President Donald Trump and Senator Marco Rubio for Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán ahead of his upcoming election. Orbán has systematically eroded democratic institutions, restricted press freedom, undermined judicial independence, and reshaped his nation’s political system to entrench his own power. He has also maintained a troubling alignment with Vladimir Putin, even as Russia continues its campaign of aggression and intimidation against democratic nations.   The United States should never lend its moral or political support to leaders who weaken democracy or assist autocrats like Putin. When American officials praise or endorse authoritarian figures, it sends a dangerous message that our values are negotiable and that we are willing to overlook attacks on democracy if they serve partisan or ideological ends.   I urge Congress to exercise oversight and reaffirm that U.S. foreign policy stands firmly with democratic allies, not with those who dismantle democratic norms. Supporting or legitimizing leaders like Orbán undermines both our credibility abroad and our own democratic institutions at home.   Please take steps to ensure that statements and actions by U.S. officials reflect our nation’s enduring commitment to democracy, human rights, and the rule of law. Silence—or worse, approval—of authoritarian behavior damages that commitment in the eyes of the world.