Wed May 07 13:02:31 UTC 2025: ## Eastern Europe’s Trump Romance Faces Economic Reality Check

**BUDAPEST/BELGRADE** – While Donald Trump’s popularity wanes in the US, his influence remains surprisingly strong in Eastern Europe, where right-wing populist leaders and elites see him as a powerful ally. This “love affair,” however, may soon face a harsh economic reality check.

Recent elections in Romania, where far-right populist George Simion secured over 40% of the vote, highlight the region’s embrace of Trump’s “Make America Great Again” ideology. This sentiment is echoed by Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán, who openly aligns himself with Trump. Further evidence of this influence includes the Trump family’s business ventures in the Balkans and the significant support for Trump among Eastern European populations, both within the region and in the diaspora.

Gallup polls show staggering support for Trump over Kamala Harris in countries like Serbia (59%) and Bulgaria (49%), reflecting a shared ideology on issues like LGBTQ+ rights, immigration, and vaccine mandates, mirroring Trump’s base. This alignment is bolstered by Trump’s perceived friendliness towards Vladimir Putin, appealing to Russia-friendly nations.

Eastern European elites also view Trump as a potential enabler, hoping for a US administration that overlooks corruption and democratic backsliding. The Trump administration’s reversal of sanctions on Hungarian officials further fuels this expectation.

However, Trump’s economic nationalism could severely impact Eastern European economies. The threat of US tariffs on automotive exports, crucial to countries like Hungary and Slovakia, could lead to job losses and economic instability. This economic fallout could have significant political consequences, potentially strengthening some populist leaders while weakening others.

While the region currently remains receptive to Trumpism, the article warns that over-identification with a movement that opposes the EU and global integration carries significant risks. The economic repercussions of Trump’s policies could ultimately cool the current romance, turning the current enthusiasm into a liability for right-wing leaders across Eastern Europe.

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