The United States has paid approximately $160m towards its nearly $4bn in outstanding dues to the United Nations, according to spokesman Stephane Dujarric.
The payment goes towards the UN’s regular operating budget. The US owes about $2.196bn to the UN’s regular budget, including $767m for the current year, and another $1.8bn for the UN’s peacekeeping operations.
President Donald Trump has openly questioned the US commitment to the UN and has slashed money earmarked for the international body. However, on Thursday, Trump appeared to endorse funding the UN during the inaugural meeting of his Board of Peace in Washington, DC.
UN Financial Crisis
The UN has faced a financial crisis for years, with a growing shortfall of contributions from its 193 member states. Each member state is required to contribute based on its economic ability, with poorer countries contributing as little as 0.001 percent and wealthier countries up to 22 percent.
United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres cautioned last month that the international body faces an “imminent financial collapse” unless its financial rules are overhauled or all member nations pay their dues. The UN’s regular operating budget could be depleted as early as July, severely jeopardising its global operations.
The US is the largest donor to the UN, accounting for approximately 95 percent of the arrears to the organisation’s regular budget. Since returning to the White House for a second term in January 2025, Trump has elevated concerns that US dues might go unpaid.
Trump's Stance on the UN
Trump has repeatedly criticised the UN as ineffective, articulating this sentiment at September’s UN General Assembly. However, on Thursday, at his Board of Peace meeting, Trump appeared to take a warmer stance towards the UN, saying he planned to work “very closely” with the organisation.
“We’re going to help them money-wise, and we’re going to make sure the United Nations is viable,” Trump said. “And I think it’s going to eventually live up to its potential. That will be a big day.”
Source: Al Jazeera
