Trump Pushes Orban for UN Seat

White House officials have encouraged former Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban to run for United Nations Secretary-General. American diplomats approached Orban directly to gauge his interest in the role. While Orban showed willingness to enter the race, he has not made a final decision. He declined to comment on the current reports surrounding his potential candidacy.

Washington believes that Moscow and Beijing would align with a US-backed candidate. This alignment would create a joint slate supported by three of the five permanent Security Council members. A US State Department official noted that when the three powers agree on an outcome, they can generally secure it. The official estimated that eight of the council's 15 members would easily support Orban. He suggested the former leader could reach as many as 10 votes. The report cited no public commitments from any country at this stage.

The positions of the United Kingdom and France remain a key question. Both nations hold veto power at the Security Council. The report suggested they might not block a candidate who has the support of a council majority and the other three permanent members. Neither London nor Paris has taken an official stance on Orban's potential bid.

US officials described Orban as the dream candidate for MAGA conservatives. They pointed to 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 Orban in Hungary's April elections, and Vice President JD Vance campaigned on his behalf. A source familiar with the initiative said both Trump and Vance are expected to back Orban if he runs. Any announcement would reportedly wait until after the US midterm elections.

An official from another country said 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 that Orban has the right ideological outlook and would not be intimidated by the UN establishment. The report 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 entered the race last week and is reportedly gaining momentum. She is expected to answer questions on Tuesday. Another Security Council straw poll is scheduled for Wednesday. The informal vote is meant to gauge support as members work toward consensus. It is unclear whether Orban's name will appear on that ballot. More candidates could still enter the race. Antonio Guterres's term ends on December 31.