Trump team floats Orban for UN chief with Russian and Chinese backing

The United States is moving to position former Hungarian prime minister Viktor Orban as the next United Nations secretary-general, a bid that would hinge on the unprecedented alignment of Washington, Moscow, and Beijing. According to sources from three countries, American officials have already approached Orban to encourage him to enter the race. While Orban has shown interest, he has not yet made a final decision.

The core of this strategy relies on a calculation that the three major powers can usually force an outcome at the Security Council when they agree. A US State Department official acknowledged the idea initially seemed far-fetched but argued Orban could attract substantial backing. The official estimated that eight of the council’s 15 members would easily support him, with a potential maximum of 10 votes. However, the report noted that no public commitments from any country have been made yet.

The main uncertainty lies with the other two permanent members with veto power: the United Kingdom and France. Neither London nor Paris has taken an official stance. The report suggested that both nations might not block a candidate who has the support of a council majority and the other three permanent members. This potential compromise would allow the post to move forward without a veto.

Orban’s name emerged repeatedly during internal US discussions about the desired profile for the next leader. Officials described the target as someone like Orban, and their Chinese and Russian counterparts reportedly agreed with the assessment. Orban was receptive to the idea but voiced reservations about his identity as a nationalist politician. He was also unwilling to announce a bid unless he was confident of winning. He has declined to comment on the reports.

A State Department official called Orban the dream candidate for MAGA conservatives, citing 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 frequently clashed with the European Union while building closer ties with China. Trump endorsed him in Hungary’s April elections, and Vice President JD Vance campaigned on his behalf. Another source said Trump and Vance are expected to support Orban if he runs, with any announcement likely waiting until after the US midterm elections.

Critics within the report raised concerns that appointing Orban 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 intense scrutiny. An official from another country noted that the current field is mostly composed of people from international bureaucracy or quiet diplomacy, whereas Orban would bring the approach of a political leader used to wielding power.

Among the declared candidates is Emirati diplomat Lana Nusseibeh, who entered the race last week and is reportedly gaining momentum. She is expected 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 in that poll, and more candidates could still enter the race. Antonio Guterres’s term ends on December 31, setting a hard deadline for the selection process.