Article Summary –
Republican candidate Kari Lake has shown consistent support for authoritarian leaders like Russia’s Vladimir Putin, Hungary’s Viktor Orbán, and El Salvador’s Nayib Bukele, aligning herself with their undemocratic actions and policies. Lake’s admiration for these figures extends to spreading misinformation, defending their controversial policies, and advocating for similar approaches in the United States, while also voicing unyielding support for Donald Trump, who has expressed admiration for authoritarianism. This pattern has raised concerns about her stance on democracy and the potential implications for U.S. foreign and domestic policy.
While foreign policy experts point to a global rise in far-right dictators as a warning sign, some see it as a roadmap.
Republican candidate for US Senate Kari Lake has consistently supported authoritarian leaders worldwide. Lake defended those who have called the United States a global parasite, a nation in decline, and a top adversary that must be dealt with.
In an analysis by The Copper Courier, Lake has shown support for President of Russia Vladimir Putin, El Salvador President Nayib Bukele, and Hungary Prime Minister Viktor Orbán over the US. She also pledged support to Donald Trump, who has expressed open admiration for dictators and a desire to be one.
“Donald Trump has been telling us exactly what he will do if he’s re-elected,” said Julie Chavez Rodriguez, campaign manager for Democratic candidate Kamala Harris. “He said he will be a dictator on day one. Americans should believe him.”
Below is a non-comprehensive list outlining Lake’s praise for Putin, Orbán, and Bukele, as well as a documented pattern of her preference for authoritarian-led countries over her own.
Lake on Vladimir Putin
Dismantling democracy: Putin has led Russia since 1999, seeking a “dictatorship of law” by centralizing power. He effectively took the legislative and judicial branches under his control, repeatedly altering Russia’s constitution to solidify his position.
One of Putin’s main goals is to end democracies in Eastern Europe that sprang up after the fall of the USSR and bring them back under Russian control. This can most plainly be seen in the Russo-Ukrainian War, in which the US has positioned itself as an ally of Ukraine.
Several countries that have attempted to hold Russia accountable for its efforts to dismantle democracy, including the US, have discovered attempts by the Russian government to interfere with their democratic processes, such as Russia’s interference in the 2016 US presidential 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: Instead of siding with the US, Lake has consistently come to Putin’s defense, often spreading false information.
Lake’s Support for Putin:
- Attacked US Sen. John McCain for opposing Russia’s election interference.
- Spread disinformation about US-funded “bio-weapon labs in Ukraine.”
- Sided with Russia over US intelligence on 2016 election interference.
- Falsely claimed Russia wanted peace with Ukraine.
- Criticized US journalists for unfair portrayals of Putin.
- Described the 2014 removal of Ukraine President Viktor Yanukovych as a “coup.”
- Defended Russia and accused US President Joe Biden of being “compromised.”
Lake on Viktor Orbán
Dismantling democracy: In Hungary, Orbán has taken control of public media and silenced privately-owned news, establishing a supermajority in parliament for his party to change the constitution.
Orbán considers the US an adversary in his efforts to spread far-right authoritarianism 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 has praised Orbán’s policies to increase birth rates, defended his attacks on interracial families, and hailed Hungary as a model for the US.
Lake’s Support for Orbán:
- Believes Orbán to be the greatest leader in Europe.
- Boasted about her long conversations with Orbán.
- Described her conversation with Orbán as “life-changing.”
- Praised Orbán’s tax breaks for families to increase birth rates.
- Encouraged Americans to visit Hungary to see “happy families.”
- Expressed “tremendous respect” for Orbán’s policies.
Lake on Nayib Bukele
Dismantling democracy: Bukele subverted El Salvador’s term limits to secure another five years in office and declared a state of emergency, empowering law enforcement to act with impunity. Since his declaration in 2022, 75,000 El Salvador residents have been imprisoned, according to The New York Times.
Lake’s Take: Lake has briefly supported Bukele’s far-right authoritarianism, putting him at the same level as Putin and Orbán.
“We’re watching men 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.”
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