The United Nations confirmed Thursday that the United States has remitted approximately $160 million toward its outstanding dues, totaling nearly $4 billion. The partial payment comes as President Donald Trump’s administration continues to express skepticism about the organization and has significantly reduced funding allocations.
UN spokesman Stephane Dujarric announced the payment, which will be applied to the UN’s regular operating budget. Despite the contribution, a substantial shortfall remains. The UN currently indicates the U.S. Owes $2.196 billion to the regular budget, including $767 million for the current year, and an additional $1.8 billion for peacekeeping operations, according to Dujarric.
The payment occurred during a meeting of President Trump’s newly formed Board of Peace in Washington, D.C. During the meeting, Trump signaled a potential shift in his administration’s approach to the UN, stating, “We’re going to help them money-wise, and we’re going to make sure the United Nations is viable. And I consider it’s going to eventually live up to its potential. That will be a big day.”
The UN has been grappling with a prolonged financial crisis, exacerbated by unpaid contributions from member states. The organization’s budget relies on assessments based on each country’s economic capacity, ranging from 0.001 percent for poorer nations to a maximum of 22 percent for wealthier ones. Unpaid dues have already prompted spending cuts and service reductions.
In a warning issued last month, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres cautioned that the organization faces “imminent financial collapse” unless its financial rules are reformed or all 193 member states fulfill their financial obligations. Guterres revealed that the UN’s regular operating budget could be depleted as early as July, potentially disrupting global operations.
The United States, as the world’s largest economy, is the UN’s largest donor, but currently accounts for approximately 95 percent of the arrears to the organization’s regular budget. Since returning to office in January 2025, Trump has repeatedly questioned the value of U.S. Contributions, even voicing his concerns during September’s UN General Assembly. “What is the purpose of the United Nations?” Trump asked the assembly. “All they seem to do is write a really strongly worded letter and then never follow that letter up. It’s empty words.”
The administration has followed through on these criticisms by cutting foreign aid and withdrawing from numerous international commitments. In January 2026, the U.S. Government withdrew from 31 UN programs, including the Democracy Fund and a body dedicated to maternal and child health. A White House fact sheet released January 7, 2026, stated that these withdrawals would complete American taxpayer funding for entities that “advance globalist agendas” or operate “inefficiently or ineffectively.”
Despite the previous cuts, Trump’s remarks on Thursday suggested a willingness to collaborate with the UN, stating his intention to function “very closely” with the organization. He as well acknowledged the UN’s financial difficulties, saying, “They need help, and they need help money-wise,” but did not address the outstanding U.S. Arrears.
The establishment of the Board of Peace, intended to oversee the Gaza ceasefire, has been viewed by some as an attempt to create a parallel system to the UN Security Council, potentially undermining the UN’s authority. Trump himself appeared to position the Board of Peace as an oversight body for the UN, stating it “is going to almost be looking over the United Nations and making sure it runs properly.”
