Trump Team Floats Orban for UN Chief

US President Donald Trump is pushing former Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban to run for United Nations secretary-general, according to a report citing sources from three countries. American officials have approached Orban to encourage him to enter the race. While he has shown interest, he has not made a final decision.

The push stems from earlier discussions where Washington believed Russia and China would support Orban. This alignment could make him a joint candidate backed by the three permanent Security Council powers. Officials from the US and another country noted that when Washington, Moscow, and Beijing agree on an outcome, they can generally secure it.

A US State Department official admitted the idea initially sounded far-fetched. However, the official estimated that eight of the council's 15 members would easily support Orban. The official projected he might reach as many as 10 votes, though the report cited no public commitments from any country. The positions of the UK and France, both permanent members with veto power, remain a key question. The report suggested they might not block a candidate supported by a council majority and the other three permanent members.

Orban's name surfaced repeatedly as US officials discussed their desired candidate profile. They reportedly sought someone like Orban, a view agreed upon by their Chinese and Russian counterparts. Orban was receptive but voiced reservations tied to his identity as a nationalist politician. He was unwilling to announce a bid unless confident of winning.

The State Department official called Orban the dream candidate for MAGA conservatives, citing his opposition to large-scale immigration and liberal nongovernmental organizations. In office, Orban clashed with the European Union while building closer ties with China. Trump endorsed him in Hungary's April elections, and Vice President JD Vance campaigned on his behalf. Another source said Trump and Vance are expected to back Orban if he runs, with any announcement likely waiting until after the US midterm elections.

An official from another country noted that the current field consists mostly of international bureaucrats. Orban would bring the approach of a political leader used to wielding power. The US official agreed, stating Orban has the right ideological outlook and would not be intimidated by the UN establishment. However, the report raised concerns that his appointment could turn the post into a defender of Russian President Vladimir Putin and other authoritarian leaders.

Among the declared candidates is Emirati diplomat Lana Nusseibeh, who entered the race last week. She is expected to answer questions on Tuesday, ahead of a Security Council straw poll on Wednesday. The informal vote aims to gauge support as members work toward consensus. Antonio Guterres's term ends on December 31.