Trump Said to Back Viktor Orban for UN Secretary-General, With Hopes of Russian and Chinese Support

US President Donald Trump is pushing former Hungarian prime minister Viktor Orban as a candidate for UN secretary-general, according to a report citing sources from three countries. American officials reportedly approached Orban and encouraged him to enter the race. He is said to have shown interest but has not made a final decision.

Based on earlier discussions, Washington believes Russia and China would also support Orban. That could make him a joint candidate backed by all three powers. Officials from the US and another country said that when Washington, Moscow and Beijing agree on an outcome at the Security Council, they can generally secure it.

A US State Department official admitted the idea first sounded far-fetched but argued that Orban could attract substantial backing. The official estimated that eight of the council's 15 members would "easily" support him, and that he might reach as many as 10 votes. The report, however, cited no public commitments from any country.

The positions of the UK and France, both permanent members with veto power, are a key question. The report suggested they might not block a candidate supported by a council majority and the other three permanent members. Neither London nor Paris was cited as having taken an official stance.

According to the report, Orban's name came up repeatedly as US officials discussed what they wanted in the next secretary-general. They reportedly spoke of seeking "someone like Orban," and their Chinese and Russian counterparts agreed. Washington then considered approaching him directly. Orban was receptive but voiced reservations tied to his identity as a nationalist politician. He was also reportedly unwilling to announce a bid unless confident of winning, and he declined to comment on the report.

The State Department official called Orban 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. In office, Orban repeatedly clashed with the European Union while building closer ties with China. Trump endorsed him in Hungary's April elections, and Vice President JD Vance also campaigned on his behalf.

Another source familiar with the initiative said 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 is mostly made up of people from international bureaucracy or quiet diplomacy, while Orban would bring the approach of a political leader used to wielding power. The US official agreed, saying he has the right ideological outlook, knows how to handle opposition 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, and his ties to Moscow and Beijing and his record in Hungary would likely face scrutiny.

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, and more candidates could still enter. Antonio Guterres's term ends on December 31.

For now, the push for Orban rests on discussions and assessments from sources cited in the report. There has been no official announcement of a candidacy and no public confirmation that the three powers would support him.