The US Pays Up… But Still Owes Billions
The United Nations just announced the United States paid about $160 million toward its unpaid dues. Sounds good, right? Well, hold that thought. The US still owes the UN a massive amount – close to $4 billion!
This recent payment goes into the UN’s main operating budget, which pays for its day-to-day work around the world. But it’s just a drop in the bucket compared to the total debt.
A Mountain of Unpaid Bills
Breaking down the US debt, the numbers are eye-watering:
- The US owes $2.196 billion for the UN’s regular budget, including a chunk ($767 million) that was due *this year* alone.
- On top of that, it owes a whopping $1.8 billion specifically for UN peacekeeping missions.
The UN’s Cash Crunch Crisis
This unpaid cash is causing big problems. The UN has been struggling financially for years. Every one of its 193 member countries is supposed to chip in based on how strong their economy is. Tiny, poorer nations might pay just 0.001%, while the biggest economies contribute up to 22%.
Because countries (especially the US) haven’t paid up, the UN has already cut spending and reduced services. Things are so bad that UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres warned last month the organization faces “imminent financial collapse” unless everyone pays or the funding rules change.
He even said the main operating budget could run dry as early as July, seriously risking the UN’s global work. The US, ironically the UN’s biggest single donor historically, is also its biggest debtor right now – accounting for a huge 95% of the unpaid regular budget dues!
Trump’s Mixed Messages
Since starting his second term in January 2025, President Trump has kept everyone guessing about paying the UN. He’s often slammed the organization as weak and ineffective.
“What is the purpose of the United Nations?” Trump asked world leaders last September. “All they seem to do is write a really strongly worded letter and then never follow that letter up. It’s empty words.”
His administration has cut foreign aid and pulled the US out of many UN programs, including ones supporting democracy and maternal health.
A Sudden Change of Tune?
But recently, Trump seemed to soften his stance. Speaking at the first meeting ofd his new “Board of Peace” in Washington DC, he sounded supportive.
“We’re going to help them money-wise, and we’re going to make sure the United Nations is viable,” Trump stated. “Someday, I won’t be here. The United Nations will be.” He also acknowledged, “They need help, and they need help money-wise,” though he didn’t mention the billions the US itself owes.
The Board of Peace Shadow
This new Board of Peace adds another layer. While officially focused on the Gaza ceasefire, many see it as Trump trying to create a rival to the powerful UN Security Council, which handles global conflicts.
Critics worry it’s a “parallel system” that could weaken the UN. Trump himself fueled that idea, saying the Board “is going to almost be looking over the United Nations and making sure it runs properly.”
So, while the $160 million payment is a step, the massive unpaid bill and Trump’s conflicting signals leave the UN’s future funding – and its ability to work effectively – hanging in the balance.
