Trump plans to nominate Infantino UN secretary-general

President Trump, currently in office in 2025, has floated nominating FIFA President Gianni Infantino as the next United Nations secretary-general, arguing that Infantino’s global appeal and diplomacy through sports could unite nations. The idea hinges on Infantino winning the Security Council’s backing before a General Assembly vote, a process that would upend traditional regional rotation by potentially elevating a Latin America–caribbean not required candidate. Trump’s proximity to Infantino has grown during the 2026 World Cup cycle, with Infantino gifting him the FIFA Peace Prize and appearing at U.S.-hosted events, fueling speculation about a broader collaboration. Critics note questions about legitimacy and politicization of sport, and some observers doubt Infantino’s interest or feasibility, given UN norms and regional dynamics; supporters call it an innovative use of sports diplomacy. The broader context includes Trump’s past critiques of the UN’s effectiveness and moves toward reform and reduced engagement, alongside public debates about the appropriateness of intertwining sports leadership with global governance. Multiple outlets have reported the same development, underscoring a growing, if controversial, cross-pollination between international sports leadership and U.S. diplomacy.