The United States plans to make an initial payment toward the billions of dollars it owes the United Nations within weeks, according to U.S. Ambassador to the UN Mike Waltz. The move comes amid mounting concern over the UN’s financial stability and renewed pressure from Secretary-General Antonio Guterres for member states to settle unpaid dues.
In a telephone interview with Reuters, Waltz said the payment would represent a significant initial contribution toward outstanding obligations, while emphasizing that further reforms at the UN remain a priority for Washington.
Payment
“You’ll certainly see an initial tranche of money very shortly,” Waltz said. “It’ll be a significant down payment on our annual dues. I don’t believe that the ultimate figure is decided, but it’ll be in a matter of weeks.”
UN officials estimate that more than 95 percent of unpaid contributions to the regular UN budget are owed by the United States. As of early February, U.S. arrears to the regular budget totaled $2.19 billion. Washington also owes $2.4 billion for current and past peacekeeping missions and $43.6 million related to UN tribunals.
Budget
On December 30, the UN General Assembly approved a $3.45 billion regular budget for 2026 after weeks of negotiations. The budget funds core UN operations, including headquarters and field offices, staff salaries, meetings, and development and human rights programs.
UN officials say the United States did not pay into the regular budget last year, leaving an outstanding balance of $827 million for 2025, in addition to $767 million assessed for 2026.
Legislation
Earlier this week, President Donald Trump signed a congressional spending bill that includes $3.1 billion for U.S. dues to the UN and other international organizations.
Asked whether the forthcoming payment would be applied to last year’s dues, 2026 assessments, or both, Waltz said it would be directed generally toward arrears and would also reflect recognition of reform efforts underway at the UN.
Policy
The funding crisis comes as the United States has stepped back from multilateral engagement under Trump. During his presidency, Washington has withheld mandatory payments to the UN’s regular and peacekeeping budgets, reduced voluntary funding to UN agencies, and moved to exit several organizations, including the World Health Organization.
While U.S. arrears have grown significantly during this period, officials note that delays in U.S. payments to the UN have occurred under previous administrations as well.
Reform
Waltz said the United States supports Guterres’ UN80 reform initiative, which aims to reduce costs and improve efficiency across the organization.
“It doesn’t go far enough, but it’s an important step,” Waltz said, adding that reforms should have begun earlier in Guterres’ tenure.
He said Washington is focused on narrowing the UN’s mandate, reducing duplication, and prioritizing peace and security. Waltz cited climate change programming as an example, noting that seven UN agencies currently list climate change as a primary mission.
“Regardless of the climate change debate, we don’t need seven,” he said, adding that the U.S. favors consolidation of logistics and administrative functions within humanitarian agencies.
Pressure
Guterres has warned that the UN could face a cash shortfall as early as July. He has also criticized rules requiring the organization to credit back unspent dues to member states each year, even when those funds were never paid.
Waltz said the rule should be changed and pointed to what he described as a statutory mismatch between UN peacekeeping assessments and what U.S. law permits to be paid. He said the issue would likely be addressed during the next round of assessment negotiations, expected next year.
“This is some tough love,” Waltz said. “The current model is unsustainable for a lot of countries, and we’re trying to get the UN back fit for purpose and focused.”
FAQs
How much does the US owe the United Nations?
More than $2.19 billion for the regular budget, plus peacekeeping arrears.
When will the US make its initial payment?
Within weeks, according to Ambassador Mike Waltz.
What is the UN80 reform initiative?
A cost-cutting and efficiency reform effort launched by the UN.
Did Congress approve funding for UN dues?
Yes, a bill includes $3.1 billion for UN and other organizations.
