Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico’s appearance at the Conservative Political Action Conference (CPAC) in Washington, D.C., marked a dramatic shift in his foreign policy strategy, aligning Slovakia closer to Donald Trump’s political orbit. Once seen as a socially leftist figure, Fico’s embrace of Trump’s brand of right-wing populism signals both a personal repositioning and a potential reorientation of Slovakia’s global alliances. Despite securing a warm reception at the event—especially when praising Trump—Fico’s uncharacteristically nervous demeanour, evident in his rushed delivery and lack of confidence, revealed deeper uncertainties behind his diplomatic gamble.
Beyond mere political spectacle, Fico’s visit included outreach to Elon Musk, reportedly exploring economic opportunities that could shield Slovakia from looming US tariffs. Yet this effort to leverage international connections for domestic gain remains speculative at best. More concerning, however, were Fico’s remarks on Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, which subtly echoed Trump’s ambiguous stance by implying shared responsibility for the conflict. This alignment risks further isolating Slovakia from the European Union, where Fico’s growing estrangement from EU leaders could weaken the country’s influence at a critical geopolitical moment.
While Fico’s CPAC appearance drew little attention from US media, at home it will likely be spun as a diplomatic success, reinforced by photo opportunities with Trump and Musk. However, with Trump’s support base beginning to fracture under economic pressures in the US, Fico’s alignment with an increasingly polarising figure could prove a risky bet. As Slovakia drifts closer to Trump’s sphere of influence, the long-term consequences for its standing in Europe—and its traditional alliances—remain dangerously uncertain.
Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico’s recent speech at the Conservative Political Action Conference (CPAC) in Washington, D.C., marked a significant shift in his foreign policy approach. Once known for his socially leftist stances, Fico’s decision to align himself with a movement dominated by Donald Trump’s political agenda reflects not only a personal recalibration but also a broader repositioning of Slovakia’s diplomatic priorities. While his participation may be hailed at home as a public relations success, the long-term consequences of this shift—both domestically and internationally—are far from certain.
Observers noted Fico’s unusually nervous demeanour during his CPAC address, a stark contrast to his typical confidence on the Slovak political stage. His reliance on a written script, lack of eye contact, and rushed delivery suggested discomfort in front of an unfamiliar audience. This nervousness was particularly surprising given his extensive political experience as a four-time prime minister. Despite these shortcomings, Fico’s speech received a warm reception from attendees—particularly when he praised Donald Trump—revealing the strategic intent behind his carefully crafted message. In this context, his mention of avoiding the rise of a “new Hitler” could be seen as a veiled effort to distance himself from some of the far-right symbolism increasingly associated with CPAC, including gestures by figures like Steve Bannon that sparked controversy for their apparent echoes of Nazi salutes.
Fico’s appearance at CPAC also underscored the conference’s evolution from a broad platform for conservative ideas into a vehicle for Trump’s personal brand of politics. His participation signalled not only solidarity with Trump’s worldview but also an effort to place Slovakia on the map of global right-wing alliances. This strategy extended beyond political symbolism. Fico reportedly met with Elon Musk, exploring economic opportunities that could benefit Slovakia. While no agreements emerged, discussions may have included issues such as US tariffs on aluminium exports and potential investment incentives, like offering favourable conditions for establishing Tesla operations in Slovakia. Although speculative, such outreach reveals Fico’s broader attempt to leverage international connections for domestic economic gain.
Between Trump and Brussels
At the same time, Fico’s remarks on Russia’s war against Ukraine suggested a shift in alignment that could prove troubling for Slovakia’s relations with the European Union. While he briefly acknowledged Russia’s aggression, his suggestion that Ukraine bore some responsibility for provoking Moscow aligned closely with Trump’s ambiguous stance on the conflict. This rhetoric, while diplomatically cautious, distances Fico from the EU’s united condemnation of Russian aggression and may further isolate him from European leaders who already view his scepticism toward the bloc with concern. His increasingly visible estrangement from EU counterparts could erode Slovakia’s influence within European institutions, weakening its voice at a time when unity is critical.
Despite the significance of Fico’s CPAC appearance for Slovak foreign policy, the event attracted only minimal attention in US media. Mentions of Fico were largely confined to brief acknowledgements of his presence or Trump’s casual name-dropping during a speech. This muted reaction highlights Slovakia’s limited visibility in US political discourse, despite Fico’s efforts to align himself with influential American conservatives. Nevertheless, at home, the event could be framed as a diplomatic achievement, with photographs alongside figures like Musk and Trump serving as potent political symbols for Fico’s domestic audience.
However, Fico’s strategic gamble comes at a time when Trump’s dominance over US conservatism may not be as secure as it appears. Growing signs of discontent among Republican voters—especially those affected by sudden economic shifts, layoffs, and reduced subsidies—suggest that Trump’s base is beginning to fracture in some regions. Fico’s decision to hitch Slovakia’s diplomatic fortunes to Trump’s movement could therefore carry significant risks, particularly if domestic disillusionment with Trump gains momentum in the coming months.
Ultimately, Fico’s CPAC appearance reflects a complex mixture of political calculation and personal ambition. While his efforts may strengthen his standing at home, the broader implications for Slovakia’s position within the EU and its global alliances remain uncertain. Aligning with an increasingly polarising figure like Trump could isolate Slovakia from its traditional allies while offering only limited strategic gains on the global stage.
