The United Nations said Monday it is waiting to learn how much of the nearly $4 billion owed by the United States the Trump administration intends to pay, and when the funds will be delivered, as the world body warns of a looming financial crisis.
UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres cautioned last week that the organization faces an “imminent financial collapse” unless its funding rules are reformed or all 193 member states meet their financial obligations—a warning widely seen as aimed at Washington.
According to UN officials, the United States owes about $2.2 billion to the UN’s regular operating budget, including roughly $767 million for the current year, as well as an additional $1.8 billion for peacekeeping operations. Those arrears are expected to grow if payments are further delayed.
The United Nations confirmed that U.S. Ambassador Mike Waltz told officials the administration plans to make a significant initial payment within weeks, though the final amount has not yet been decided.
UN spokesman Stephane Dujarric said Secretary-General Guterres and senior UN financial officials have been in ongoing contact with U.S. counterparts, but stressed that the organization is still awaiting clarity. In a recent letter to member states, Guterres warned that funds for the UN’s core budget could be exhausted by July, potentially disrupting operations worldwide.
President Donald Trump has repeatedly criticized the UN, arguing it has failed to live up to its mission. His administration made no payments to the UN in 2025 and has withdrawn from several UN bodies, including the World Health Organization and UNESCO, while cutting funding to dozens of others.
UN officials say the United States accounts for roughly 95% of unpaid contributions to the organization’s regular budget. Venezuela is the second-largest debtor, owing about $38 million, and has lost its General Assembly voting rights after falling more than two years behind on payments.
Nearly 60 countries paid their annual UN dues by the February deadline, but officials warn that without U.S. action, the financial strain could soon become critical.
