Trump’s ‘Council for Peace’ Signals New Conservative Axis with Orbán and Milei
Washington D.C. – A meeting convened by President Donald Trump, dubbed the ‘Council for Peace,’ has underscored a growing alignment between the U.S. And a new wave of right-wing leaders, most notably Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán and Argentine President Javier Milei. The gathering, held on February 19, 2026, featured symbolic displays of unity and signaled a potential shift in global political dynamics.
Symbolic Displays of Alignment
Orbán and Milei, along with representatives from over 40 countries, attended the meeting wearing red hats emblazoned with “USA” and displaying American flags alongside their delegation badges. A photograph circulating on social media showed Milei with her arm around Orbán, patting his back in a gesture of camaraderie [@HungaryBased on X]. These actions are widely interpreted as a demonstration of support for Trump’s initiative and a strengthening of ties between these leaders.
Trump’s Endorsement of Orbán and Milei
During the meeting, Trump specifically praised Orbán’s policies on immigration, offering his “full and unreserved support” ahead of Hungary’s upcoming April elections. Both Orbán and Milei voiced their support for Trump’s initiative, which aims to focus on rebuilding Gaza and establishing an international stabilization force. Associated Press reports that Trump has a history of praising leaders he describes as “tough and strong,” even when facing criticism for undermining democratic principles.
A ‘New Conservative Axis’
The alignment between Trump, Orbán, and Milei is seen by many as the formation of a “new conservative axis” in international politics. Orbán has long expressed sympathy for Trump and supported him in past election campaigns, sharing similar views on national sovereignty, migration, and the role of international institutions. Milei similarly admires Trump and aligns with his policies of limited government intervention and conservative principles. Jacobin notes that these leaders are aspiring to global hegemony, building on ideas pioneered by Trumpism.
Financial Commitments and Potential Rivalry with the UN
Trump announced that the United States would contribute $10 billion to the ‘Council for Peace,’ with other countries pledging over $7 billion in aid to Gaza and commitments to provide personnel for stabilization forces. However, this represents a fraction of the estimated $70 billion needed for Gaza’s reconstruction. Some observers suggest that Trump’s initiative could be a rival organization to the United Nations. Politico reports that Orbán hinted at a potential “bailout package” from the U.S., echoing a recent financial agreement between the U.S. And Argentina under Milei.
Hungary’s Potential Financial Support from the US
Orbán has indicated that the U.S. Has agreed to provide Hungary with a “financial shield,” potentially mitigating concerns about EU funding being withheld due to rule-of-law concerns. This potential financial assistance mirrors the support provided to Argentina, raising questions about the extent of U.S. Involvement in supporting allied nations facing economic or political challenges.
Key Takeaways
- The ‘Council for Peace’ meeting signals a strengthening alliance between Donald Trump and right-wing leaders like Viktor Orbán and Javier Milei.
- Symbolic gestures, such as wearing “USA” hats and displaying American flags, underscore the alignment between these leaders.
- Trump’s support for Orbán ahead of the Hungarian elections highlights his willingness to intervene in the domestic politics of allied nations.
- The initiative raises questions about a potential shift in global political dynamics and a possible challenge to the existing international order.
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