Trump administration opposes all candidates to succeed UN chief, seeks new contenders

The Trump administration opposes all current candidates to lead the United Nations, saying none is sufficiently aligned with President Donald Trump’s push for drastic changes to the body, Politico reports, citing two people familiar with internal discussions.

“The entire slate is lacking the reformers the U.S. would want. And some seem like even more business-as-usual types,” an administration official said.

A State Department official said, “We are looking for a little bit of a disruptor.”

The UN is choosing a successor to Secretary-General António Guterres, whose term ends this year. Former Costa Rican Vice President Rebeca Grynspan has led the Security Council’s straw polls.

A Republican congressional aide said, “If we get someone like Grynspan, good luck getting any Republican to support funding the U.N. regular budget.”

The State Department said it “will only support a nominee who shows an unwavering commitment to drive meaningful reform.” UN spokesperson Stephane Dujarric said member states would decide by December 31.

The next Security Council poll is expected on October 16.