President Donald Trump’s administration has encouraged former Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán to pursue the position of United Nations secretary-general, proposing that the United States, Russia and China support him as a joint candidate, according to a report published Sunday by The Wall Street Journal.

Citing sources from three countries, the newspaper reported that American officials first raised the idea of finding a candidate like Orbán during discussions with Russian and Chinese counterparts. After the proposal reportedly received a favorable response, Washington approached Orbán directly and encouraged him to enter the race.

Russian and Chinese officials are believed to be receptive to the proposal, although no final agreement or formal nomination has been announced. Orbán has reportedly shown interest but is reluctant to run unless he believes he has a realistic chance of securing the position. He declined to comment on the reported discussions.

A U.S. State Department official estimated that Orbán could obtain support from eight members of the 15-member U.N. Security Council, with 10 votes potentially within reach, according to coverage of the report. The council must recommend a candidate before the U.N. General Assembly can formally appoint the secretary-general.

Even if Washington, Moscow and Beijing support Orbán, his candidacy could face resistance from Britain and France. Both countries hold permanent seats on the Security Council and have veto power, meaning either could block a nomination despite support from the other major powers.

Trump and Vice President JD Vance are expected to support Orbán if he enters the race, according to sources cited in the reporting. A public announcement of the potential candidacy is reportedly being withheld until after the November U.S. midterm elections.

Orbán, who served as Hungary’s prime minister for 16 years before losing the country’s April 2026 election, has been a prominent figure in European conservative politics. He has opposed mass migration and clashed with European Union officials over immigration, national sovereignty and domestic policy. Trump endorsed Orbán during Hungary’s election campaign, while Vance traveled to the country to support him.

The next secretary-general will replace António Guterres, whose term ends Dec. 31, 2026. The selection process is already underway, with multiple potential candidates under consideration. Orbán has not been formally nominated, and it remains unclear whether the United States could secure the support needed to overcome potential opposition from other permanent Security Council members.

If the proposal advances, it would represent an unusual effort to coordinate support for a U.N. leader among Washington, Moscow and Beijing, whose governments have frequently disagreed over international security and foreign policy.