Trump pushes Orban for UN top job

Current UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres leaves office on December 31, and the race for his successor is heating up. President Donald Trump is actively supporting former Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban for the role, according to sources from three countries. US officials have already approached Orban to encourage him to run. Orban has shown interest in the position but has not yet made a final decision on his candidacy.

Washington believes it can secure a unified front with Moscow and Beijing. Officials from the US and another nation noted that when the three powers agree on a Security Council outcome, they usually succeed. A State Department official estimated that eight of the council's 15 members would easily support Orban, with the potential to reach ten votes. The official described the idea as initially far-fetched but argued Orban could attract substantial backing.

The key uncertainty lies with the United Kingdom and France. Both hold veto power as permanent members, and their stances are not yet official. The report suggests they might not block a candidate who has a council majority and support from the other three permanent members. Orban’s name has come up repeatedly in US discussions as the ideal candidate. He is viewed as a political leader rather than a diplomat, and US officials said he would not be intimidated by the UN establishment.

A State Department official called Orban the dream candidate for MAGA conservatives. They cited his opposition to large-scale immigration, liberal NGOs, and established centers of power in Hungary's judiciary and media. Orban clashed with the European Union while building ties with China during his time in office. Trump endorsed Orban in Hungary's April elections, and Vice President JD Vance campaigned for him. Both are expected to back Orban if he runs, with an announcement likely waiting until after the US midterm elections.

Orban has voiced reservations about the bid due to his identity as a nationalist politician. He is reportedly unwilling to announce a run unless he is confident of winning. He declined to comment on the recent reports. Another source noted that the current field is mostly international bureaucrats, while Orban would bring the approach of a leader used to wielding power. Critics worry his appointment could turn the post into a defender of authoritarian leaders like Vladimir Putin.

Emirati diplomat Lana Nusseibeh is a declared candidate who entered the race last week. She is expected to answer questions on Tuesday. A Security Council straw poll is scheduled for Wednesday to gauge support. It is unclear if Orban's name will appear on that ballot. More candidates may still enter the race as members work toward consensus.