Trump Backs Orban for UN Chief, Citing Russian and Chinese Support

President Donald Trump is actively supporting former Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban for the post of United Nations Secretary-General, according to a report citing sources from three nations. American officials have already reached out to Orban to encourage him to enter the race. Orban has indicated interest in the role but has not yet made a final decision on whether to run. He has declined to comment publicly on the discussions.

The White House believes that Moscow and Beijing would also back Orban, potentially creating a joint candidate supported by three of the five permanent Security Council members. Officials from the US and another country stated that when Washington, Moscow, and Beijing agree on an outcome, they can usually secure the necessary votes. A US State Department official acknowledged that the idea initially seemed unlikely but argued that Orban could attract substantial backing. The official estimated that eight of the council's fifteen members would easily support him, with a possible total reaching ten votes.

The report noted that no public commitments have yet been made by any country regarding Orban's candidacy. The positions of the United Kingdom and France, both permanent members with veto power, remain a key question. The report suggested that London and Paris might not block a candidate who holds a council majority and the support of the other three permanent members. Neither capital has taken an official stance on the matter yet.

Orban's name arose repeatedly during internal US discussions about the desired qualities of the next secretary-general. Officials reportedly described seeking someone like Orban, a view shared by their Chinese and Russian counterparts. Orban was receptive to the approach but expressed reservations tied to his identity as a nationalist politician. He was reportedly unwilling to announce a bid unless he was confident of winning.

The State Department official described Orban as the dream candidate for MAGA conservatives, pointing to his opposition to large-scale immigration, liberal nongovernmental organizations, and established centers of power in Hungary's judiciary and media. During his time in office, Orban clashed with the European Union while strengthening ties with China. Trump endorsed Orban in Hungary's April elections, and Vice President JD Vance also campaigned for him. Another source said Trump and Vance are expected to back Orban if he enters the race. Any official announcement would reportedly wait until after the US midterm elections.

An official from another country noted that the current field is largely composed of international bureaucrats or quiet diplomats. Orban would bring the approach of a political leader accustomed to wielding power. The US official agreed, stating that Orban has the right ideological outlook and would not be 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, along with his record in Hungary, would likely face close scrutiny.

Emirati diplomat Lana Nusseibeh is among the declared candidates, having entered the race last week. She is expected to answer questions on Tuesday before another Security Council straw poll takes place on Wednesday. The informal vote is intended to gauge support as members work toward consensus. It is unclear if Orban's name will appear on the ballot, and other candidates may still enter the race. Antonio Guterres's term ends on December 31, setting a hard deadline for the selection process.