In a move that highlights the mounting financial pressures on the United Nations, the Trump administration has paid just $16 million against the organisation’s nearly $4 billion ($3.996 billion) outstanding dues. Analysts warn that this nominal contribution is unlikely to alleviate the severe fiscal strain facing the global body.
The payment, confirmed by UN spokesperson Stéphane Dujarric on Thursday, 19 February, was allocated to the UN’s regular operating budget. The figure represents a tiny fraction of the United States’ total assessed contribution, which remains by far the largest single share owed to the UN.
According to UN records, the United States currently owes approximately $2.196 billion for the regular budget, including $767 million due this year alone. In addition, arrears for peacekeeping missions stand at roughly $1.8 billion. Overall, nearly 95 per cent of the UN’s total outstanding dues are owed by Washington.
| Category | Amount Owed (USD) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Regular Budget | 2.196 billion | $767 million due in the current year |
| Peacekeeping Missions | 1.8 billion | Owed in arrears for ongoing operations |
| Total U.S. Arrears | 3.996 billion | Constitutes ~95% of global UN arrears |
| Payment Made by Trump Admin. | 16 million | Allocated to regular operating budget |
Last month, UN Secretary-General António Guterres issued a stark warning that without rapid payment of outstanding dues, the organisation’s regular operations could grind to a halt by July.
Since returning to the White House for a second term in January 2025, Trump has consistently criticised the UN as “ineffective” and a “talking shop.” Under his administration, the United States has withdrawn from 31 UN programmes, including critical initiatives on democracy funding and maternal and child health.
However, on Thursday, 19 February, a slightly more conciliatory tone was evident. Speaking at the inaugural meeting of the newly formed “Board of Peace” in Washington, Trump indicated a willingness to support the UN financially to ensure its survival. He stopped short, though, of committing to a timeline for settling the massive outstanding arrears.
Financial analysts suggest that unless the United States and other member states increase their contributions substantially, the UN could face unprecedented operational difficulties in the months ahead, affecting everything from routine administrative functions to critical global peacekeeping and humanitarian initiatives.
The partial payment underscores a continuing tension between the United States and the United Nations, with the broader international community watching closely to see whether Washington will eventually meet its full financial obligations.