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By Mark Garrison

April 13, 2026

In the news today: What the defeat of Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán means for Trump; failed Iran-U.S. ceasefire talks raise concerns about two-week truce; and Swalwell exits the California governor’s race. Also, Rory McIlroy wins the Masters again.

President Donald Trump greets Hungary’s Prime Minister Viktor Orban at the White House in 2025, in Washington. (AP Photo/Evan Vucci)

WORLD NEWS

Election loss for Hungarian Prime Minister Orbán has ripple effects for Trump

It was a stunning blow for Orbán — a close ally of both President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin — who quickly conceded defeat to pro-European challenger Péter Magyar after what Orban called a “painful” election result. Read more.

Why this matters:

Trump and many U.S. conservatives have long embraced Orbán, who has become an icon among the global right for his anti-immigrant stance. Trump’s agenda has striking parallels with the way the Hungarian leader used the levers of government to tilt the media, judiciary and electoral system to keep his party in power for 16 years.
Trump supported Orbán’s reelection bid and even dispatched Vice President JD Vance to Budapest last week — in the midst of the Iran war — to stump for the incumbent. Orbán’s loss is a reminder of how the Iran war has diminished Trump’s ability to help allied politicians overseas.

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WORLD NEWS

Failed US-Iran talks in Pakistan raise questions about fragile ceasefire

Neither side appears to have budged much from its ceasefire terms during face-to-face talks over 21 hours. There was no word on whether negotiations will resume, and President Donald Trump made new threats against Iran, raising questions about what happens when a current two-week truce expires on April 22. Read more.

Why this matters:

The setback showed how entrenched the sides remain after an inconclusive 40-day war. Vice President JD Vance, who led the American delegation, said that Iran had failed to give assurances that it will not seek to develop a nuclear weapon. Meanwhile Iran’s chief negotiator, Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Qalibaf, said the U.S. must decide “whether it can gain our trust or not.” He did not mention the core disputes in a series of social media posts. But other Iranian officials signaled that the Strait of Hormuz remains a key sticking point.
Pakistan’s foreign minister, Ishaq Dar, said his country will try to facilitate a new round of dialogue between Iran and the U.S. in the coming days. There was no immediate reaction from either side.

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POLITICS

Swalwell exits California governor’s race after sexual assault allegations

Democratic Rep. Eric Swalwell suspended his campaign for California governor on Sunday following sexual assault allegations, which he has denied. His exit adds extra turmoil to an already crowded contest to replace outgoing Democratic Gov. Gavin Newsom. Read more.

Why this matters:

For Swalwell’s rival candidates in a wide-open race, the key issue is where his supporters will go. He was among the most prominent Democrats in the contest, with mail ballots scheduled to go to voters in early May in advance of the June 2 primary election.

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