Amid a surge in far-right authoritarianism worldwide, Republican Senate candidate Kari Lake has shown support for several foreign leaders critical of America’s global influence. Known for her defense of figures who label the United States as a global parasite, Lake’s stance aligns with leaders suggesting the nation is in decline and an adversary.
A study by The Copper Courier revealed nearly 40 instances of Lake favoring the actions of Russian President Vladimir Putin, El Salvador’s President Nayib Bukele, and Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán over those of the United States. Additionally, she has pledged unwavering support for Donald Trump, who has openly admired these leaders and expressed a desire to adopt similar authoritarian measures if re-elected.
“Donald Trump has been telling us exactly what he will do if he’s re-elected,” said Julie Chavez Rodriguez, campaign manager for Kamala Harris. “He said he will be a dictator on day one. Americans should believe him.”
Below is an overview of Lake’s endorsements of these controversial figures and her apparent preference for authoritarian-led nations.
Lake on Vladimir Putin
Dismantling democracy: Vladimir Putin has led Russia since 1999, centralizing power and repeatedly altering the constitution to maintain his control. His efforts to reassert Russian influence in Eastern Europe, notably through the Russo-Ukrainian War, have positioned the U.S. as a supporter of Ukraine.
Countries attempting to hold Russia accountable, including the U.S., have faced Russian interference in their democratic processes, such as the 2016 U.S. elections.
By not standing up for Ukraine, Kari Lake is showing weakness on Putin.
Kari Lake in the Senate would be a disaster for our allies, a blow to our national security, and a danger to Arizona.https://t.co/xvf9x2hMZt
— Ruben Gallego (@RubenGallego) February 20, 2024
Lake’s Take: Lake has consistently defended Putin, often spreading misinformation:
- Criticized John McCain for opposing Russia’s election interference.
- Spread false claims about U.S.-funded bio-weapon labs in Ukraine.
- Sided with Russia over U.S. intelligence on the 2016 election interference.
- Called U.S. intelligence on Russia’s election interference “bogus crap.”
- Falsely claimed Russia wanted peace with Ukraine, despite Putin’s demands for territorial concessions.
- Criticized U.S. journalists for their portrayal of Putin.
- Described the 2014 removal of Ukraine’s President Yanukovych as a “coup.”
- Defended Russia and accused Joe Biden of being “compromised” by Ukraine and China.
Lake on Viktor Orbán
Dismantling democracy: In Hungary, Viktor Orbán has absorbed the judiciary into the executive, taken control of public media, and established a parliamentary supermajority to change the constitution. Orbán views the U.S. as an adversary and has endorsed Trump’s reelection.
I had a wonderful conversation with Prime Minister Viktor Orbán when I was in Budapest a few months ago. @PM_ViktorOrban is a strong leader–the GREATEST in Europe. That’s why the media attacks him relentlessly.
He is an equal to President Trump. His policies have made… https://t.co/1cux1b3akC pic.twitter.com/ndlQ18phHZ
— Kari Lake (@KariLake) August 31, 2023
Lake’s Take: Lake sees Orbán as a role model, praising his policies and leadership:
- Believes Orbán to be the greatest leader in Europe, equal to Trump.
- Boasted about her extensive conversations with Orbán in Budapest.
- Described her conversation with Orbán as “life-changing.”
- Claimed Orbán delivered “historic peace” through national conservatism.
- Claimed Orbán’s Christian nationalism brought “historic peace and prosperity.”
- Praised Trump and Orbán as peacemakers, despite their support for Russia’s actions in Ukraine.
- Asserted that Trump and Orbán “speak the truth” and “want peace.”
- Views Orbán as a protector in “dangerous times.”
- Defended Orbán’s controversial rule as necessary for public safety.
- Praised Orbán’s leadership.
- Attacked journalists for accurately describing Orbán as a dictator.
- Claimed journalists lie about Trump and Orbán.
- Described Orbán’s Hungary as a model for the U.S.
- Defended Orbán’s anti-interracial relationships stance.
- Characterized Hungary as thriving while the U.S. is “falling apart.”
- Defended Trump and Orbán against negative press.
- Adopted Trump’s “America First” persona onto Orbán.
- Claimed Orbán’s policies benefit families, despite evidence of discrimination.
- Advocated for Orbán’s tax breaks for families in the U.S.
- Wrote the foreword for “Last Warning to the West,” praising Hungary.
- Defended Hungary’s sovereignty against Biden administration critiques.
- Claimed U.S. officials want “total control” by not embracing Hungary’s far-right policies.
- Falsely claimed Hungary has no abortion laws.
- Incorrectly attributed a reduction in abortions to Orbán’s policies.
- Praised Orbán’s illegal deportation of migrants.
- Praised tax breaks for families with four children.
- Encouraged Americans to visit Hungary.
- Expressed respect for Orbán and his policies.
Lake on Nayib Bukele
Dismantling democracy: Nayib Bukele of El Salvador secured an extended term by bypassing term limits and has labeled himself “the coolest dictator in the world.” His state of emergency has led to the imprisonment of 75,000 residents, or one in every 45 adults, as reported by The New York Times.
Lake’s Take: Lake has recently shown support for Bukele, placing him alongside Putin and Orbán:
“We’re watching men, people like Viktor Orbán turn things around in Hungary,” Lake said. “We’re watching El Salvador; we’re watching these nations where it looked like all hope was lost, and they’ve turned things around.”
