Trump floats Orban for UN chief with backing from Moscow and Beijing

Eight of the 15 Security Council members could easily support a bid by former Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban, according to a US State Department official. The official told the report that Washington believes Russia and China would also back Orban, potentially creating a joint candidacy endorsed by all three powers. US officials have reportedly approached Orban directly with the proposal and encouraged him to enter the race. Although he expressed interest, Orban has not made a final decision on whether to run.

The report cited sources from three countries who said American officials initially described their preferred candidate as "someone like Orban." Chinese and Russian counterparts agreed with that description, leading Washington to consider a direct outreach. Orban was reportedly receptive but expressed reservations about his identity as a nationalist politician. He also indicated reluctance to announce his candidacy unless he was confident he could win. He declined to comment on the report.

A State Department official characterized Orban as the "dream candidate for MAGA conservatives," pointing to his opposition to large-scale immigration and liberal nongovernmental organizations. The official noted that Orban has previously clashed with established centers of power within Hungary's judiciary and media. During Hungary's April elections, President Trump endorsed Orban, and Vice President JD Vance campaigned on his behalf. Another source familiar with the initiative said Trump and Vance are expected to support Orban if he decides to run.

The report stated that any potential announcement would be delayed until after the US midterm elections. US officials believe that when Washington, Moscow, and Beijing agree on an outcome, they can generally secure it. However, the report did not cite public commitments from other nations. A key question remains how the United Kingdom and France, both permanent Security Council members with veto power, will respond. The report suggested the two countries might refrain from blocking a candidate backed by a majority of the council, but neither London nor Paris had taken an official position.

An official from another country noted that the current field of candidates consists largely of figures with backgrounds in international bureaucracy. Orban would bring the approach of a political leader accustomed to exercising power, the official said. The US official echoed this assessment, arguing Orban would not be intimidated by the UN establishment. However, the report raised concerns that his appointment could turn the role into a defense of Russian President Vladimir Putin and other authoritarian leaders. His ties to Moscow and Beijing, along with domestic policy controversies in Hungary, are expected to face scrutiny.

Emirati diplomat Lana Nusseibeh, who entered the race last week, is also gaining momentum. She is expected to answer questions on Tuesday ahead of a Security Council straw poll scheduled for Wednesday. The informal vote will assess support for various candidates as members work toward a consensus. It remains unclear whether Orban's name will be included in Wednesday's vote. The term of current UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres ends on December 31.

For now, efforts to advance Orban's candidacy remain based on discussions and assessments provided by sources. There has been no official announcement of his candidacy or public confirmation that the three powers would support him.