Can't start X11 applications after `su` or `su -` to another user

Solution Verified - Updated -

Issue

  • X11 connection rejected because of wrong authentication (all Red Hat Enterprise Linux versions).

  • Error: Can't open display:
    (and no display is listed after "display:"). Red Hat Enterprise Linux 7 only

  • Environment variable for DISPLAY is not forwarded to another user when running su $USER su - $USER or sudo su - $USER (Red Hat Enterprise Linux 7 only).

Environment

  • Red Hat Enterprise Linux 5
  • Red Hat Enterprise Linux 6
  • Red Hat Enterprise Linux 7

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