Trump Administration Backs Viktor Orbán for UN Secretary-General

The Trump Administration is advocating for former Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán to serve as the next Secretary-General of the United Nations. U.S. officials describe Orbán as a "dream MAGA-conservative candidate" because of his opposition to liberal NGOs and mass migration.

U.S. officials believe Russia and China would support Orbán as a joint candidate, a move that would likely secure the required votes in the U.N. Security Council. While Orbán is reportedly receptive to the proposal, he has expressed reservations based on his nationalist views and indicated he will not run unless victory is certain. A formal announcement is expected after the U.S. midterms.

The push for Orbán comes as the term of current Secretary-General António Guterres ends on December 31. Lana Nusseibeh of the United Arab Emirates has also entered the race, with a Security Council straw poll scheduled for Wednesday.