The movement known for its slogan ‘Make America Great Again’ has now extended its reach to Europe, focusing on countries where it perceives a chance to foster a fresh political relationship founded on President Donald Trump’s conservative populism and infused with rhetoric emphasizing a ‘battle of civilizations’. The Conservative Political Action Conference, known as CPAC, began its European tour earlier this week in Jasionka, Poland. One of the distinguished speakers was Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem, who expressed support for right-wing presidential contender Karol Nawrocki in the upcoming runoff election.
Contrary to the usual diplomatic practice of refraining from interfering in allied nations’ elections, Noem, along with other administration officials like Vice President JD Vance, encouraged Poles to cast their vote for Nawrocki. ‘You have the power to pivot Europe towards conservative ethics,’ Noem addressed the crowd in Jasionka. From Poland, the CPAC tour will proceed to the Hungarian capital of Budapest, helmed by populist Prime Minister Viktor Orban.
Orban, viewed as an anti-establishment icon in Europe, has maintained friendly ties with Trump over several years. ‘We regard Donald Trump as a potent leader for us; but with Karol leading this nation, you also have the chance to have an equally strong leadership,’ Noem stated. International coordination is a vital component of the CPAC events, which also feature a collection of conservative politicians from a variety of European nations such as Poland, Austria, Croatia, France, and Greece, to name a few.
However, amid these developments, the CPAC proceedings occur during a period of tension for the transatlantic relationship, intensified by Trump’s ‘Liberation Day’ tariffs that risk triggering a financially damaging trade conflict with the European Union. The EU leaders’ political and economic visions heavily depend on the fortune of the Union itself, impacting even populist leaders such as Orban who frequently articulate their views in contrast to the massive European initiative.
The new offensive Trump has launched in Europe might still jeopardize the nascent ties between the MAGA movement and its overseas associates, particularly if their crucial interests seem to come under direct threat. Anti-government sentiments are increasing in Hungary, where about 10,000 people staged a demonstration earlier this month against the proposal to restrict the liberties of independent media outlets. This protest is just one among several that critique Orban and his ruling Fidesz party.
Orban, who has been in power for over 15 years now, is facing a decline in popularity even while he continually presents himself as an early adopter of the emerging right-wing ‘illiberal international’. Samuel Samson, a senior advisor for the State Department’s Bureau for Democracy, Human Rights, and Labor, unveiled an article this week hinting at the current direction of America’s policy towards Europe. He articulated ‘the necessity for civilizational allies in Europe.’
CPAC’s debut event in Poland began with Chairman Matt Schlapp addressing the attendees and stating, ‘The globalists aim to target us individually – to discredit us, silence us, leave us bankrupt, lead us to our ruin, and even turn our children against us.’ Nevertheless, the plans for a transatlantic extension of the MAGA initiative are yet to come into full effect, as recent elections in Romania, Portugal, and the preliminary round of the Polish presidential election have not seen conservative or far-right candidates seizing power.