UN: Macky Sall withdraws as Donald Trump goes back on the offensive

The UN Security Council’s first straw poll to select the next secretary-general, held on October 16, showed that all seven candidates received at least two discouragements from permanent members. Rebeca Grynspan leads with nine encouragements but also received two discouragements; Macky Sall received three despite support from two permanent members. The votes are not formal vetoes, but no candidate currently has the absence of opposition from all five powers required for an official recommendation. Washington, through Ambassador Mike Waltz, says it wants a secretary-general able to support the Trump administration’s reforms and has not ruled out new candidates.