The article draws parallels between Donald Trump and two authoritarian leaders: Nayib Bukele of El Salvador and Viktor Orbán of Hungary. Trump's governance style is analyzed as a blend of Bukele's overt authoritarianism and Orbán's subtle manipulation of legal systems.
Bukele's popularity stems from his strong response to El Salvador's gang problem. He's portrayed as a strongman using his power to suppress opposition and disregard legal processes. The article cites instances like his suspension of civil liberties and actions against alleged gang members.
Orbán's methods are described as more subtle, involving manipulation of laws and institutions rather than overt displays of power. His approach focuses on creating an uneven playing field for political opponents. The article uses the example of his manipulation of funding streams for dissident journalists.
Trump's actions are analyzed as combining elements of both Bukele's and Orbán's approaches. His aggressive deportation policies resemble Bukele's tactics, while his attempts to influence universities are compared to Orbán's methods. The article suggests this contradictory style could lead to a public backlash.
The article highlights how each leader's approach reflects their specific circumstances. Bukele's actions were effective given El Salvador's crisis, while Orbán maintained a façade of democratic rule in Hungary's context. These differing approaches and their successes are directly contrasted.
The article concludes by noting Trump's failure to replicate Bukele's or Orbán's successes. Constraints like a narrow congressional majority and the independent judiciary limit Trump's power, potentially leading to a public backlash against his policies.