Viktor Orbán's stunning defeat in Hungary's general election, which ended his 16-year rule with the Fidesz party, carries significant implications for U.S. politics. Orbán, who has been a model for many U.S. Republicans due to his blend of populism and autocratic power, was ousted amid a public backlash against corruption. This defeat illustrates that even entrenched authoritarian leaders can fall when citizens unite against them. The Steady State, an organization of retired national security officials, emphasized that Orbán's loss serves as a template for the U.S., showing that democratic participation can prevail against autocracy. However, experts caution against drawing direct parallels between Hungary and the U.S., noting that Donald Trump exhibits more overt authoritarian tendencies than Orbán, who has historically accepted electoral defeat. The outcome in Hungary may remind Republicans of the importance of accepting loss in a democratic context, but it also raises concerns about Trump's potential to become more repressive in response to such events. Overall, while Orbán's defeat is a significant moment for democracy, the ongoing volatility of political regimes, including in the U.S., suggests that the struggle against authoritarianism is far from over.