In his recent state of the nation address, Viktor Orbán, the Prime Minister of Hungary, outlined a vision for purging the country of what he terms 'bought journalists' and 'fake civil society organizations' as he seeks re-election on April 12. This aggressive stance reflects a broader trend of media repression, which is not only a Hungarian issue but also evident in the United States. According to the V-Dem Institute, U.S. democracy is experiencing its lowest levels of media freedom since the 1960s. Orbán's endorsement by Donald Trump, who likened him to a 'strong leader', highlights the alarming similarities in their approaches to independent journalism. Both leaders utilize derogatory language to describe journalists, with Orbán labeling them as 'stink bugs' and Trump referring to them as 'enemies of the people'. These tactics include denying access to independent reporters and employing legal measures to silence dissenting voices. In Hungary, Orbán's government has systematically targeted independent media through lawsuits and regulatory manipulation, while Trump has pursued similar strategies, including multibillion-dollar lawsuits against various media outlets. As Hungary prepares for elections, the situation serves as a cautionary tale for advocates of media freedom in both Hungary and the U.S., emphasizing the need for vigilance against authoritarian tactics.