World News
US plans $850 million payment toward unpaid United Nations dues
The State Department notified Congress of funding for the regular UN budget and peacekeeping, though billions remain outstanding.
The short version
- The Trump administration informed Congress of plans to transfer $850 million to the United Nations.
- The allocation includes $725 million for regular budget dues and $125 million for peacekeeping in Haiti and the Democratic Republic of Congo.
- The UN estimates the United States owes approximately $5 billion in total arrears following prolonged funding withholdings and agency withdrawals.
- The proposal faces potential scrutiny from congressional Republicans who argue the measure does not sufficiently address administrative and ideological reform demands.
Key facts
- The State Department notified Congress of intent to pay $850 million to the United Nations, consisting of $725 million for the regular budget and $125 million for peacekeeping missions in Haiti and the Democratic Republic of Congo.[ABC News]
- According to the United Nations, the U.S. is roughly $5 billion in arrears, comprising over $2 billion for the regular operating budget and $3 billion for peacekeeping operations.[ABC News]
- The Trump administration paid no dues to the UN in 2025 and made a single $160 million payment in February 2026 following financial warnings from UN Secretary-General António Guterres.[ABC News]
- The administration previously pulled funding from dozens of UN bodies and withdrew from agencies including UNESCO and the World Health Organization.[ABC News]
What remains uncertain
- Whether congressional Republicans will formally challenge or attempt to block the proposed funds over concerns regarding UN staffing, policy stances, and aid conditions for the Palestinian refugee agency remains undecided.[ABC News]