U.S. mayors join Europeans to fight authoritarianism : NPR
NPR Topics: Politics — 2026-05-20 23:01:00 — www.npr.org
U.S. Mayors Join Forces to Combat Authoritarianism Amid Trump’s Legacy
In a significant move reflecting the ongoing political divide in the United States, ten mayors from liberal cities have joined the Pact of Free Cities, a coalition aimed at defending democracy and countering authoritarianism. This gathering, which took place in Bratislava, Slovakia, comes as a direct response to the perceived backslide of democratic values during the Trump administration. Cincinnati Mayor Aftab Pureval articulated this sentiment, stating, “I’ve joined the Pact of Free Cities because of the actions of the Trump administration that continue to not just have democratic institutions and democratic values backslide in our country, but also the destruction of long-standing relationships all over the world.”
Lessons from Abroad
At the meeting, Budapest Mayor Gergely Karácsony shared insights from the recent electoral defeat of Viktor Orbán, Hungary’s former prime minister, who many analysts believe has influenced Trump’s approach to governance. Karácsony noted that a pivotal moment in Hungary’s political landscape occurred when the government attempted to ban the annual Pride parade. He remarked, “This was meant partly to intimidate people and partly to provoke a debate that would divert political discussion away from economic problems toward symbolic issues.” Instead of engaging in a divisive debate, Budapest took over the parade, transforming it into a demonstration for free speech and assembly, which ultimately showcased Orbán’s political vulnerabilities.
Federal Funding and Local Politics
During the discussions, Beaverton, Oregon Mayor Lacey Beaty highlighted the challenges faced by cities under federal administrations that oppose liberal policies. She recounted how the Trump administration attempted to cut funding to Beaverton due to its commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) policies. “It was unexpectedly collaborative and just really underlined that a lot of the issues we’re facing here in the United States, other cities are facing, too,” Beaty said. This sentiment echoes the experiences of other mayors who have faced similar pressures from their national governments.
White House Response
The White House responded to the mayors’ participation in the Pact of Free Cities with a dismissive statement. Spokeswoman Abigail Jackson remarked, “If Democrat mayors spent half as much time prioritizing the safety and security of their own citizens instead of participating in TDS [Trump Derangement Syndrome] publicity stunts, their residents would be much better served.” This comment underscores the ongoing tension between the Trump administration and its critics, particularly those in liberal urban areas.
Building International Alliances
The formation of the Pact of Free Cities is not an isolated incident; it reflects a broader trend of right-wing populists in the U.S. forging alliances with similar movements in Europe. The Conservative Political Action Conference (CPAC) has been cultivating relationships with European right-wing leaders for years, including Orbán, who has been a significant figure in shaping anti-democratic narratives.
Conclusion
The Pact of Free Cities represents a proactive stance by U.S. mayors against the backdrop of a political landscape shaped by Trump’s administration. As these mayors seek to learn from their European counterparts, they are also confronting the realities of federal funding cuts and the challenges of maintaining democratic values in their cities. The ongoing dialogue between these mayors and their international allies may serve as a crucial counterbalance to the rising tide of authoritarianism both at home and abroad.