Bryan Leib was previously a Congressional candidate in his home state of Florida and is currently a Senior Fellow at the Budapest-based conservative think tank the Center for Fundamental Rights. He is also a frequent contributor to the Newsmax website as well as a regular guest on their cable news channel. He spoke with Sergio Velasco about Donald Trump’s victory in the U.S. election, how Trump’s victory will affect Europe, what Trump and Orbán’s relationship may mean in the conservative world, and the probability of David Pressman’s dismissal and whether Leib will be named the new U.S. ambassador to Hungary.
Why did Trump win by a wide margin, despite the media predicting a close race?
The mainstream media has a history of downplaying the support President-elect Trump has from the American people and of lying to the American people. They underestimated our America First movement and the silent majority that’s out there, fighting for America First policies and real change. Trump’s massive win is a wake-up call to the mainstream that Americans are fed up with failing leadership, open borders, skyrocketing crime, and woke ideologies. The American people have sent a clear message: we want a president who’s tough, straightforward, and puts America first. Trump’s landslide shows that Americans are sick of the establishment and want someone who gets the job done.
What can we expect from Trump’s new administration? With figures like Musk, Ramaswamy, RFK Jr., and Gabbard in the mix, it looks like we’re moving away from the old neocon crowd?
Absolutely, and this is long overdue. President-elect Trump is building a team of outsiders who are innovators, free thinkers, and real fighters—not career politicians. It’s no secret that President-elect Trump is no fan of the neocon agenda that’s been steering U.S. foreign policy for years, dragging us into endless wars. With this new lineup, we’re looking at a new era in American leadership. Expect a focus on peace, strength, innovation, and economic prosperity, not constant foreign entanglements. This administration is going to stand strong for American interests and isn’t afraid to break the mold.
What impact do you think Trump’s presidency could have on Europe? Can it help the new conservative Right to grow?
President-elect Trump’s win is absolutely going to inspire the conservative Right in Europe. He’s proof that you don’t have to follow the globalist script to win. President-elect Trump’s unapologetic nationalism and dedication to his country will embolden leaders and movements across Europe who are tired of the EU’s bureaucracy and overreach. Countries like Hungary (and, before, Poland) are already pushing back, and with President-elect Trump in the White House, they have a powerful ally. Europe’s conservative resurgence is gaining momentum, and Trump’s victory only adds fuel to that fire.
What are the main problems facing Europe today?
Europe is grappling with three main issues: mass migration, rising crime, and economic stagnation. The EU’s open-border policies have led to serious demographic challenges and strained social services, while the response to migrant-related crime has been lukewarm at best. Economically, overregulation and high taxes are stifling growth, leaving nations dependent on government handouts and Brussels’ dictates. European countries need leaders willing to prioritize their own people, push back on the EU’s grip, and restore law and order.
Having visited Hungary and worked with the Center for Fundamental Rights, what do you think Hungary brings to the conservative world?
Let me be clear: Hungary is a beacon of hope and a model to replicate for conservatives worldwide. Under Prime Minister Orbán’s leadership, it’s shown that you can be pro-sovereignty, pro-family, and pro-God without apology. Hungary’s commitment to its own culture, borders, and values is a blueprint for countries facing similar challenges. The Center for Fundamental Rights, my friend Dr. Miklós Szánthó, and other Hungarian institutions and leaders have been instrumental in leading these conversations and showing the world that there’s a viable alternative to the woke globalist agenda. Hungary’s role is critical, and conservatives worldwide are taking notes.
The U.S. Ambassador to Hungary, David Pressman, has faced criticism for meddling in Hungarian affairs. What’s your assessment of his role?
Pressman’s behavior has been beyond unprofessional and as an American, he has disgraced us. Please allow me to apologize on behalf of the American people for his outlandish behavior. He has been an activist, not a diplomat. His job is to represent American interests and strengthen ties, not to lecture Hungary on how to govern its people. Hungary has every right to protect its borders and uphold its culture, and it doesn’t need an ambassador to micromanage its decisions. Ambassadors should be building bridges, not pushing ideological agendas. Hungary deserves an ambassador who respects its sovereignty and its right to chart its own path.
There are rumors that Pressman could be dismissed and that you might even be considered as a replacement. Any truth to that?
There is no possibility that President-elect Trump will retain Pressman in Budapest. Pressman should start packing his bags. I firmly believe that the people and government of Hungary deserve someone in the ambassador position who respects their sovereignty, culture, and the principles that make Hungary strong. If called to serve by President-elect Trump to be his envoy in Budapest, I’d be honored to work toward strengthening the U.S.-Hungary relationship in a way that’s based on mutual respect and shared values. Right now, my focus remains on supporting President-elect Trump, the transition team, and advancing our America First agenda. One thing is for sure; with President-elect Trump heading back to the White House, the restoration of strong ties between Washington D.C. and Budapest is only weeks away! It would be an honor if President-Elect Trump asked me to serve.
Trump and Orbán share a close relationship. Could this connection help Orbán influence EU-US discussions?
Absolutely. President-elect Trump and PM Orbán share a commitment to sovereignty, national pride, and a clear understanding of the threat that unchecked globalism poses. With President-elect Trump in office, PM Orbán has a friend in the White House who understands Hungary’s values and its fight against EU overreach. I envision PM Orbán’s voice will be stronger, and with President-elect Trump’s backing, he’ll have more leverage in discussions where Europe’s direction and Hungary’s autonomy are at stake. I predict PM Orban will become one of the new power brokers and leaders in the EU with his best friend, President-elect Trump back in the White House!
