The Trump administration is being encouraged to actively pursue a new U.N. secretary-general who aligns with American and Western values, particularly as some critics view the organization as increasingly hostile towards the U.S.
António Guterres, the current secretary-general, will see his term finish on December 31, 2026. Since taking office, the former Portuguese prime minister has faced significant global conflicts and accusations of bias, especially regarding Israel.
Experts suggest that the administration should carefully evaluate the candidates to ensure they align with U.S. interests. Anne Baevsky, director of the Touro Institute for Human Rights and Holocaust Research, expressed concerns about the U.N.’s funding structure and emphasized the need for strong leadership within the organization.
Jonathan Wachtel, a former communications director at the U.S. Mission to the U.N., remarked that the U.N. has become a platform for growing hostility toward the U.S. He argued that the next secretary-general must embody the founding ideals of the U.N. and champion principles like life, liberty, and happiness.
As nominations are starting to take shape, it appears many candidates are not palatable for the U.S. Brett Schaefer from the American Enterprise Institute noted that most rumored candidates lean towards the left politically or are U.N. insiders, making it hard to believe the U.S. would support them.
Declared candidates:
Among the formally declared candidates, Argentina’s Rafael Grossi, currently the head of the International Atomic Energy Agency, is seen as a suitable option for the U.S., given his handling of nuclear threats amid ongoing geopolitical tensions. Others like former Bolivian vice president David Choquehuanca, who has voiced anti-Western sentiments, raise uncertainty. Furthermore, Michelle Bachelet, the former UN human rights chief, criticized Israel and the U.S., making her unlikely to gain U.S. support due to past behavior.
Several additional potential candidates are being discussed, including former New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern, who some feel may not be the right fit for such a demanding position. Alicia Bárcena and Maria Fernanda Espinosa are also mentioned, along with Kristalina Georgieva and Achim Steiner, who also have connections to the U.N.
Baevsky criticized previous secretaries-general, claiming their influence has damaged U.S. international relations and contributed to global instability. She warned that the choice of the next leader could have significant implications for the U.S.’s standing in the world.
