In April 1989, Hungary tore down its electrified border fence with Austria. For Hungarians, this moment represented more than just the end of a physical barrier; it marked the close of the Cold War division and ignited new hopes for democracy. By 2004, Hungary had joined the European Union and NATO, signaling its commitment to the West. However, this path took a sharp turn following the 2010 election of Viktor Orbán.

Since then, his Fidesz party has systematically dismantled civil society, weakened ties with Western allies, and deepened connections with autocrats such as Russian President Vladimir Putin and U.S. President Donald Trump.

Prime Minister Viktor Orbán’s anti-democratic policies are the key driver behind the ongoing decline in U.S.-Hungarian relations. While David Pressman, the U.S. Ambassador to Hungary, has consistently condemned Hungary’s democratic backsliding and Orbán’s growing ties to Russia, these criticisms have yielded few tangible results. The United States needs to adopt a more forceful approach.

The U.S. must rally bipartisan support for initiatives that promote democracy in Hungary to counter Orbán’s growing influence and protect U.S. strategic interests in the region. Through the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), the United States should ramp up its democracy programs, support civil society organizations (CSOs), and promote independent media in Hungary. This would not only uphold liberal democratic values but also reaffirm U.S. leadership in defending democracy globally.

The urgency of action cannot be overstated. The United States must use the power of the pen to drive socio-political change. Protecting journalists, independent news outlets, civic groups, and CSOs will be crucial to counteracting Orbán’s regime. Offering financial and logistical support to those committed to free speech will help revive Hungary’s waning democratic flame.

One of the most promising initiatives in this fight is the Media Viability Accelerator (MVA), designed to ensure the long-term sustainability of free speech in Hungary. The MVA provides independent media outlets with business strategies to become financially viable, creating a diverse media landscape that holds the government accountable. Collaboration between the MVA and Hungarian news organizations ensures these outlets can grow, adapt, and defend themselves against financial and political attacks from Orbán’s government.

Additionally, strengthening the Reporters Shield initiative will help counter the financial repression tactics often used by Orbán’s government. This initiative provides liability insurance coverage and increased financial support to investigative journalists and civil society activists facing defamation lawsuits aimed at silencing their work. With this protection, journalists will no longer fear retribution for their reporting, thus reinforcing the crucial role of a free press and fostering greater transparency throughout Hungarian society.

By committing to defending democracy and protecting civil liberties in Hungary, the U.S. demonstrates to both allies and adversaries that it is still dedicated to upholding the liberal international order. Investments in democratic institutions and civil society create conditions where free expression and independent media can thrive and strengthen Hungary’s ties to the West. This, in turn, fosters closer collaboration with the United States to counter the rise of autocracy globally.

Of course, significant challenges remain. It is estimated that nearly 80% of Hungary’s media is now under government control. Laws like the “Defense of National Sovereignty Act” increase the government’s oversight of activists and CSOs receiving foreign funding. Yet, there is still reason to hope for change. Initiatives like the MVA and the Reporters Shield will provide essential financial and logistical support to civil activists and CSOs, enabling them to withstand government repression and continue their work.

Dismantling the border fence between Hungary and Austria in 1989 signified a brighter future for the country. In contrast, Orbán’s actions have led Hungary back to a much darker period. Initiatives like the MVA and the Reporters Shield are essential to rebuilding Hungary’s resilience against authoritarianism. U.S. investment in these efforts is critical to revitalizing Hungary’s democratic fabric, creating an environment where free expression and civil liberties can flourish again. With renewed support, we can help tear down the walls of autocracy that are rising around Hungary and rebuild a future rooted in democratic ideals.