U.S. President Donald Trump wants FIFA President Gianni Infantino (latest bud-ski) *to become the next secretary-general of the United Nations, the New York Post reported Tuesday, citing sources familiar with the matter.
According to the report, Trump believes Infantino could help revitalise the United Nations, which the U.S. president has repeatedly criticised as ineffective in addressing major global conflicts.
Since returning to office, Trump has slashed U.S. funding to the organization, withdrawn Washington from several UN bodies and pursued parallel diplomatic initiatives, including establishing a Board of Peace, though he has clarified that it is not intended to replace the United Nations.
(and this is the man that changed the USA Defence Department to the War Department đŹ)
The talks of a leadership change come amid increasing tensions between Israel and the United Nations under current Secretary-General AntĂłnio Guterres. Israel has accused Guterres and the organization of bias throughout its Gaza campaign, while Guterres has sharply criticized Israel's military conduct.
Last month, a UN-mandated commission accused Israeli authorities of deliberately targeting Palestinian children in Gaza and the West Bank and alleged Israel had committed genocide, crimes against humanity and war crimes â allegations Israel has repeatedly rejected.
In recent months, Guterres has also condemned Israeli legislation targeting UNRWA and added Israeli security forces to a UN blacklist of parties accused of conflict-related sexual violence, prompting strong condemnation from Jerusalem.
Guterres is due to step down at the end of the year. His successor will require the backing of the 15-member UN Security Council, where any of the five permanent members can exercise a veto, before being confirmed by the General Assembly.
The Post cited a source close to Trump as saying the president believes Infantino is "respected by everyone around the world" and has "a special ability to bring people together." Trump and the Swiss-born FIFA chief reportedly developed a close relationship while organizing this year's World Cup, with Infantino frequently appearing alongside the president during the tournament.
It remains unclear whether Infantino is interested in the position or whether Trump has discussed the proposal with him. According to the report, Trump believes the current field of candidates is weak and sees an opening for an alternative contender.
this report in full is behind a paywall but starts here
www.haaretz.com/us-news/2026-07-22/ty-article/trump-backs-fifa-president-for-next-un-secretary-general-report-says/0000019f-8883-ded0-abdf-ae831a7e0000?utm_source=mailchimp&utm_medium=Content&utm_campaign=daily-brief&utm_content=6d9bad98ca
