United Nations presses for answers on US funding commitments | United Nations News
UN Seeks Clarity on U.S. Budget Payments Amid Declining Engagement
The United Nations is requesting clarification from the United States regarding outstanding budget dues, as reduced U.S. engagement continues to strain the international organization.
UN spokesperson Stéphane Dujarric stated on Monday that while U.S. Ambassador Mike Waltz indicated last week that payments would commence within weeks, no additional details have been provided.
“We’ve seen the statements, and frankly, the Secretary-General has been in touch for quite some time on this issue with Ambassador Waltz,” Dujarric said during a news briefing. He noted that the UN budget controller has also been in communication with U.S. officials, adding, “We’re waiting to see exactly when payments will be made and in what amounts.”
U.S. payments account for approximately 95 percent of all outstanding UN budget dues, as the administration of President Donald Trump has reduced U.S. involvement in international organizations. Dujarric referenced a January letter from UN Secretary-General António Guterres, warning that the organization faces “imminent financial collapse” due to unpaid dues.
As of early February, the U.S. owed the UN approximately $2.19 billion, in addition to $2.4 billion for peacekeeping missions and $43.6 million for UN tribunals. Reports indicate that the U.S. did not remit $827 million for the 2025 budget and has yet to pay $767 million for 2026.
The UN has also faced criticism from the U.S. and its ally Israel, which have challenged the organization’s stance on various issues they perceive as detrimental to their national interests. Recently, UN Human Rights Chief Volker Turk expressed that his office is currently in “survival mode” due to funding shortfalls, following the cessation of contributions from the Trump administration in 2025.
Waltz remarked last week that the UN would soon receive a “significant” payment, describing it as an initial tranche of funds. “Just in general, towards the arrears, and also in recognition of some of the reforms that we’ve seen,” he stated.
Historically, the U.S. has been the largest contributor to the UN and its associated programs. However, some conservative factions within Trump’s Republican Party view the UN as a barrier to U.S. supremacy, perceiving international regulations as a threat to national sovereignty.
