Trump would push Gianni Infantino to take over the UN General Secretariat

Donald Trump has reportedly encouraged Gianni Infantino, president of the International Federation of Association Football (FIFA), to run for secretary-general of the United Nations, according to the New York Post. The suggestion comes amid speculation about who will succeed António Guterres, the current UN chief, whose term ends later this year. According to the newspaper, Trump believes Infantino possesses the qualities necessary to lead the world body, citing his global reputation and ability to bring people together. The proposal emerged during discussions surrounding the 2026 World Cup, which will be co-hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico. During that event, Infantino maintained close ties with Trump and even presented him with the FIFA Peace Award. A source close to Trump told the Post that Infantino is “respected around the world” and has a unique talent for uniting diverse groups. However, there is currently no confirmation that Infantino intends to pursue the position, nor has it been disclosed whether Trump directly discussed the possibility with him. To become the next UN Secretary-General, Infantino would need support from the Security Council, composed of 15 members, including five permanent powers with veto rights. His candidacy would then require approval from the General Assembly, comprising all 193 member states. Other potential candidates include former Chilean President Michelle Bachelet and Argentine Rafael Grossi, head of the International Atomic Energy Agency. Bachelet might face opposition from Washington, while Grossi could encounter resistance from the UK over the Falkland Islands dispute. If Infantino were to take up the role, it would mark a departure from recent trends, as the last UN Secretary-General from Latin America was Javier Pérez de Cuéllar, who served from 1982 to 1991. While some analysts suggest that regional rotation is not a strict rule, others believe Infantino’s appointment could still challenge expectations. Paolo Zampolli, a businessman and special envoy of Trump for global alliances, has expressed confidence in Infantino’s abilities, noting that his experience managing over 200 football associations demonstrates his capacity to handle complex international structures. The move reflects broader tensions between Trump and the United Nations. Since returning to the White House, Trump has significantly reduced U.S. contributions to the organization and withdrawn the country from several agencies, including the World Health Organization, UNESCO, and the UN Human Rights Council. A potential appointment of Infantino could signal a shift in U.S.-UN relations, though it remains unclear how such a transition would unfold. Financial considerations also play a role in the discussion. According to The New York Post, Infantino earns approximately $6 million annually as FIFA president, whereas the salary for a UN Secretary-General is roughly $418,000 per year. Despite these figures, Infantino has already announced he will seek re-election as FIFA president. Whether he will also pursue the UN leadership role remains uncertain.