It seems like just yesterday when President Trump sat down with Hungary’s Prime Minister, Viktor Orbán, for a friendly luncheon at the White House. The meeting opened to the press, and let’s just say, it was nothing short of eventful. While the main courses probably included delicacies only interstate delicacies could outmatch, the hot topic on the menu was something far less palatable: Hungary’s purchase of Russian oil. Doesn’t it just melt your heart to see leaders discussing global matters over sandwiches?

Former Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, who never misses a good debate on foreign policy, chimed in to reassure that, yes, Hungary can put an end to its Russian oil dependence. However, they aren’t exactly equipped to do it overnight. Surprisingly, he didn’t just point fingers. Rather, he emphasized a need for a solution that old Uncle Sam could help orchestrate. It’s like asking for dessert, then expecting someone else to whip it up. But honestly, this oil conundrum isn’t solely Hungary’s burden, according to Pompeo. It turns out, this is a mess the whole of Europe needs to mop up. Because apparently, it’s not enough that Putin’s got his hands in this pie; Europeans need to stop buying half his bakery.

Then came the conversation about the bigger elephant in the room: the Russia-Ukraine conflict. Trump was crystal clear—this war is a stupid mess, one he claims wouldn’t have happened on his watch. His unique negotiating skills would surely have prevented such unnecessary squabbles. Maybe buying Manhattan from the Dutch was harder? He predicted the end is in sight for this war, yet it’s hard to avoid eye-rolling at the implication that he alone held the magic wand while the rest of us mere mortals can only watch chaos unfold.

Immigration was up next on the grand conversational buffet. Hungary’s Prime Minister Orbán received quite the pat on the back from Trump for maintaining the hard stance he has taken. The Prime Minister’s approach has been hardcore—literally rolling out the welcome mat to no one. It’s almost laughable to think how crime could evaporate as magically as sugar in a tea if only everyone else followed Hungary’s lead. Trump seems to fantasize about Europe turning into a serene, pastoral landscape, all thanks to strict border policies.

While Orbán’s tactics clearly won Trump’s applause, the former president seemed keen on Europe adopting similar principles. He waxed lyrical about how places like France and London have seen their identities shapeshift thanks to their lenient immigration policies. Hungary’s no-nonsense approach in controlling its borders is something Trump believes Europe should mimic. It’s that age-old recipe for success: lock the gates and toss away the key. Unfortunately, for many countries, this simplistic take doesn’t match their complex realities, but it’s a lovely thought, isn’t it?

As Trump and Orbán wrapped up their cozy chitchat not too distantly from the White House’s Rose Garden, it left one pondering over how much of this diplomatic tango will ever translate into action. Is it just a tête-à-tête for the cameras, or a meaningful dialogue that could alter the course of foreign policies across the Atlantic? Only time will tell if these leaders are simply sharing aspirations over lunch or genuinely paving the path to new politics. Until then, we wait—and perhaps entertain the notion of taking those dreamy aspirations with a grain of salt.