Trump administration opposes candidates for new UN Chief

The Trump administration has reportedly opposed all seven candidates currently seeking to become the next United Nations Secretary-General and wants new contenders to enter the race.

Politico reports that Washington believes none sufficiently supports President Donald Trump’s vision for sweeping changes to the organisation.

The United States has the power to block any candidate – as do the other permanent members of the Security Council – raising further uncertainty over who would succeed incumbent António Guterres when his term ends the 31 st of December.

Politico cites two people familiar with internal discussions, including an administration official, who says the current field lacks the reformers Washington wants.

The reported opposition could complicate an already unsettled contest.

Costa Rica’s Rebeca Grynspan remains the frontrunner after five informal Security Council straw polls but has yet to secure a clear path to the job.

A candidate needs at least nine votes in the 15-member council, without a veto from any of its five permanent members, including the United States.

The council then recommends a candidate to the General Assembly for appointment.

With Guterres leaving at the end of December, Washington’s push for new names could reshape the race.