As the United States gears up for its presidential elections, Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban is reportedly hoping for a victory by former President Donald Trump. Orban, a controversial figure in the European Union due to his illiberal policies and pro-Russian stance, perceives Trump as a potential ally. This anticipated alliance could bolster Orban's rigid posture against the EU's 'Brussels bullies' as Hungary frequently butts heads with the Union over issues ranging from rule of law to immigration.

Orban's rapport with Trump has visible roots, exemplified by their multiple meet-ups at Trump's Mar-a-Lago estate. This friendship is cultivated through Orban's resonant conservative philosophy that appeals to US conservatives. Notably, Rod Dreher, an American right-wing thinker stationed near Orban's political seat in Hungary, emphasizes that a Trump administration might significantly benefit Hungarian interests. According to Dreher, Trump's victory might indeed place Hungary in a favorable position concerning EU relations. The Danube Institute, a pro-government think tank, has been instrumental in nurturing these transatlantic conservative ties and fostering partnerships with organizations like the Heritage Foundation, known for its Project 2025 initiative.

Project 2025 draws significant controversy given its blueprint to remodel the US federal system to reflect Trump's conservative values, aligning with some practices observed in Orban's governance style, such as controlling strategic sectors like media and judiciary. While Trump distances himself publicly from this project, it identifies a tangible common ground in policies that both Orban and Trump share, particularly regarding tight immigration control. However, there remains skepticism towards the depth of Orban's influence over Trump, especially as Trump hasn't been physically present at the US-Hungary-based Conservative Political Action Conference.

Interestingly, Orban's stance on geopolitics extends beyond internal EU squabbles. During recent broadcasts and interviews, particularly with the source Reuters, Orban expressed a belief that Trump's victory could force Europe to re-evaluate its support for Ukraine in the ongoing conflict. Orban's resistance to military support for Ukraine aligns with Trump's perceived favorability for peaceful resolutions. Orban asserts that if America, under potential new leadership, advocates peace, Europe might be compelled to shift from its current war-endorsing stance.

Upcoming political events in Budapest, such as the European Political Community summit, will place Ukraine high on the agenda. There, Orban anticipates discussions that adapt Europe's policies following the US elections, emphasizing the unsustainable pressure Europe faces should it continue bearing the weight of the Ukraine conflict unilaterally. This dialogue points to increased tension within Europe regarding strategic dependence on US policy directions and the potential of a new political climate shaping future decisions on the continent.

Criticism from prominent Republicans over Hungary's warming relations with China introduces additional complexity to Hungary's diplomatic maneuvers. Such interactions threaten the perceived unity among right-wing leaders in Europe and the US. Still, Hungarian officials, including Zsuzsanna Vegh of the German Marshall Fund, state that a Trump administration might critique Orban less, especially concerning internal Hungarian policies.

In these multifaceted scenarios, this convergence of political pathways illustrates the intricate dance of geopolitics and alliances. The unpredictability of the US elections and the ramifications of a potential Trump win reflect the dynamic and often contentious landscape in which Orban operates, weaving through global diplomatic ties while navigating domestic and European political currents.