US pays about $160m towards nearly $4bn in UN dues | Donald Trump News
U.S. Contributes $160 Million to UN Amid Ongoing Financial Concerns
The United Nations reported that the United States has recently made a payment of approximately $160 million towards its outstanding dues, which total nearly $4 billion. The funds will support the UN’s regular operating budget, according to UN spokesman Stephane Dujarric.
This contribution comes as the administration of President Donald Trump has expressed skepticism regarding its commitment to the UN and has significantly reduced funding destined for the organization. However, during a meeting of his newly established Board of Peace in Washington, D.C., Trump appeared to reaffirm support for the UN.
“We’re going to help them money-wise, and we’re going to make sure the United Nations is viable,” Trump stated. “I think it’s going to eventually live up to its potential. That will be a big day.”
The UN has indicated that the U.S. currently owes approximately $2.196 billion to its regular budget, which includes $767 million for the current fiscal year. Additionally, the U.S. owes about $1.8 billion for peacekeeping operations.
Financial Crisis at the UN
For several years, the UN has grappled with a financial crisis marked by escalating shortfalls in member contributions. Each of the organization’s 193 member states is required to contribute based on its economic capacity. Contributions from poorer nations can be as low as 0.001 percent of the UN’s regular budget, while wealthier nations, such as the U.S., can contribute up to 22 percent.
Unpaid dues have compelled the UN to reduce its spending and services. In a recent briefing, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres warned of an “imminent financial collapse,” stressing the necessity for member states to meet their financial obligations. He indicated that the UN’s regular operating budget could face depletion as early as July, jeopardizing its global operations.
As the largest contributor to the UN, the United States, being the world’s largest economy, holds a significant role. However, it currently accounts for approximately 95 percent of the arrears in the organization’s regular budget.
Mixed Messages from the Administration
Since resuming the presidency in January 2025, Trump has voiced concerns regarding unpaid U.S. dues. The Republican leader has openly criticized the UN’s efficacy, questioning its purpose during the UN General Assembly in September.
“What is the purpose of the United Nations? All they seem to do is write a really strongly worded letter and then never follow that letter up. It’s empty words,” Trump remarked.
Throughout his administration, Trump has cut foreign aid and withdrawn from various international commitments. In January, his administration exited 31 UN programs, including initiatives focused on democracy and maternal and child health.
Despite these cuts, Trump’s recent comments during the Board of Peace meeting indicated a possible shift in tone, suggesting a desire to collaborate more closely with the UN. He acknowledged the need for financial support for the organization, although he did not address the U.S. arrears.
The Board of Peace, intended to oversee the ceasefire in Gaza, has drawn skepticism from some observers, who view it as an effort to rival the UN Security Council. Critics have referred to the board as a “parallel system” that could undermine UN authority. In his remarks, Trump positioned his board as a body tasked with monitoring the UN, stating, “It is going to almost be looking over the United Nations and making sure it runs properly.”
