Trump Team Pursues Orban for UN Secretary-General Post

American officials are actively encouraging former Hungarian prime minister Viktor Orban to run for the position of United Nations Secretary-General. The effort aims to create a joint candidate supported by the United States, Russia, and China. Orban has expressed interest in the role but has not yet made a final decision to enter the race.

Washington believes that securing endorsements from Moscow and Beijing would allow the three powers to dominate the Security Council vote. Officials from the US and another country noted that when these three nations align on a candidate, they can generally secure the necessary support. A State Department official acknowledged that the proposal initially appeared unlikely but estimated that Orban could easily attract eight of the council's 15 votes. The official suggested the count could reach ten. The report cited no public commitments from any specific country to date.

The positions of the United Kingdom and France remain a key variable. Both are permanent members with veto power. The report suggested that London and Paris might not block a candidate who commands a council majority and the support of the other three permanent members. Neither government has taken an official stance on the prospect.

US officials reportedly identified Orban as the preferred profile for the next secretary-general. They described their desire for a leader similar to Orban, and their Chinese and Russian counterparts agreed with the assessment. Orban was receptive to the idea but voiced reservations about his identity as a nationalist politician. He is reportedly unwilling to announce a bid unless he is confident of winning. He declined to comment on the report.

A State Department official described Orban as the dream candidate for MAGA conservatives. The official pointed to Orban's opposition to large-scale immigration, liberal nongovernmental organizations, and established centers of power in Hungary's judiciary and media. While in office, Orban frequently clashed with the European Union while building closer ties with China. Trump endorsed Orban during Hungary's April elections, and Vice President JD Vance also campaigned for him. Another source familiar with the initiative said that Trump and Vance are expected to back Orban if he runs. Any official announcement would reportedly wait until after the US midterm elections.

An official from another country contrasted the current field of candidates, which mostly consists of international bureaucrats, with Orban. The official said Orban would bring the approach of a political leader used to wielding power. The US official agreed, stating that Orban has the right ideological outlook and knows how to handle opposition without being intimidated by the UN establishment. The report also raised concerns that his appointment could turn the post into a defender of Russian President Vladimir Putin and other authoritarian leaders. His ties to Moscow and Beijing and his record in Hungary would likely face scrutiny.

Emirati diplomat Lana Nusseibeh is among the declared candidates. She entered the race last week and is reportedly gaining momentum. She is scheduled to answer questions on Tuesday ahead of another Security Council straw poll on Wednesday. The informal vote is meant to gauge support as members work toward consensus on a nominee. It is unclear whether Orban's name will appear on the ballot, and more candidates could still enter the process. Antonio Guterres's term ends on December 31.

The push for Orban currently rests on discussions and assessments from sources cited in the report. There has been no official announcement of a candidacy and no public confirmation that the three powers would support him.