Trump Team Seeks Orban's Bid for UN Chief Post

A US State Department official estimated that former Hungarian prime minister Viktor Orban could secure support from eight of the 15 United Nations Security Council members, with a potential ceiling of ten votes. The assessment, shared with sources from three countries, forms the basis of a quiet effort by the White House to install Orban as the next secretary-general.

American officials have approached Orban directly to encourage him to enter the race. While he has expressed interest, he has not made a final decision. Washington believes that Russia and China would also back the Hungarian leader, creating a tripartite support structure. Officials from the US and another country noted that when the US, Russia, and China align on a candidate, they can generally force the issue at the Security Council.

The proposal hinges on the positions of the UK and France, the other two permanent members with veto power. The report suggests these nations might allow a candidate with broad council support to proceed, even if they are not initial backers. Neither London nor Paris has taken an official stance. US officials described Orban as the "dream candidate for MAGA conservatives," citing his opposition to liberal nongovernmental organizations and his stance on immigration.

Orban’s name surfaced repeatedly in US discussions about the ideal successor. American, Chinese, and Russian counterparts reportedly agreed on the profile of "someone like Orban." However, the former leader voiced reservations about the role due to 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.

The current field of candidates consists largely of international bureaucrats and diplomats. An official from another country argued that Orban would bring the approach of a political leader accustomed to wielding power. The US official agreed, stating that Orban knows how to handle opposition and would not be intimidated by the UN establishment. Trump and Vice President JD Vance are expected to back him if he runs. Any announcement is scheduled to wait until after the US midterm elections.

Critics within the report raised concerns that appointing Orban could turn the post into a defender of authoritarian leaders, including Russian President Vladimir Putin. His ties to Moscow and Beijing, along with his record in Hungary, would likely face scrutiny. The report also noted that Orban clashed with the European Union while building closer ties with China during his time in office. Trump endorsed Orban in Hungary's April elections, and Vance campaigned on his behalf.

Emirati diplomat Lana Nusseibeh is among the declared candidates, having 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 is intended to gauge support as members work toward a consensus nominee. Antonio Guterres's term ends on December 31. For now, the push for Orban rests on assessments from sources, with no official announcement of a candidacy or public confirmation of support from the three major powers.