Who are Donald Trump's 'kindred spirits' in Europe?
Deutsche Welle
February 19, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
US President Donald Trump has found several enthusiastic supporters in Europe who share his skepticism of the European Union, opposition to immigration, and indifference toward climate change. Among these "kindred spirits" are Hungary's Prime Minister Viktor Orban and Slovakia's Prime Minister Robert Fico, both of whom have aligned closely with Trump's policies and rhetoric. However, Trump's controversial plan to take over Greenland has distanced some supporters, though not all.
Viktor Orban, Hungary's prime minister since 2015, views Trump as a "twin" brother and a "true friend." Despite criticism from former President Joe Biden, Trump has strongly backed Orban, even as the Hungarian leader has opposed US military aid to Ukraine and avoided criticizing Russia's actions in the region. Orban has also fostered ties with Germany's far-right AfD party, further isolating himself within the EU.
Robert Fico, Slovakia's prime minister, is known for his anti-immigration stance and controversial remarks about Nazi-linked movements in Ukraine. While Trump sees him as a key ally, Fico's relationship with the US has been inconsistent, including disputes over military ties and his past connections with Russia, China, and other authoritarian regimes.
The rise of far-right parties like Germany's AfD, led by Alice Weidel, has also gained attention. During the 2023 Munich Security Conference, US Vice President JD Vance met with Weidel, a move that bolstered her party's image despite its exclusion from the conference. This reflects Trump's broader strategy to court far-right and right-wing leaders in Europe.
These alliances highlight a growing shift in European politics toward anti-immigration and nationalist policies, aligning with Trump's own agenda. However, this stance has raised concerns about the future of transatlantic cooperation on key issues like climate change, military aid to Ukraine, and immigration. The implications for US-European relations and global stability are significant, as these shifts could reshape international alliances and policies in unexpected ways.
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Originally published on Deutsche Welle on 2/19/2026