United States has paid approximately $160 million toward nearly $4 billion in outstanding contributions to the United Nations, according to UN officials, as President Donald Trump signaled that additional financial support could follow.
UN spokesperson Stéphane Dujarric confirmed that the payment, made last week, is allocated to the organization’s regular operating budget. However, the contribution represents only a fraction of the total amount the US currently owes.
According to the UN, Washington’s arrears include $2.19 billion for the regular budget — of which $767 million is due for the current year — and an additional $1.8 billion for peacekeeping operations conducted in conflict zones worldwide. UN officials have noted that approximately 95 percent of overdue payments to the regular budget stem from the United States.
The funding gap has raised concerns within the world body. UN Secretary-General António Guterres warned member states last month that without structural financial reforms or full payment of dues from all 193 nations, the organization faces the risk of severe operational disruption. In a letter to member states, he cautioned that cash reserves for the regular budget could be depleted by July.
The payment announcement comes as President Donald Trump convened the inaugural meeting of the Board of Peace in Washington — an initiative initially focused on overseeing the Gaza ceasefire but viewed by some observers as potentially expanding its global role in conflict resolution.
Trump has previously criticized the United Nations for inefficiencies and withdrew the US from agencies such as the World Health Organization and UNESCO, while suspending funding to several other UN-affiliated bodies.
At Thursday’s meeting, however, the president struck a more conciliatory tone, stating that his administration intends to work closely with the UN and ensure its long-term viability. While he pledged financial assistance, no timeline was provided for further payments.
The development underscores ongoing tensions over funding responsibilities within the UN system, even as diplomatic efforts continue to stabilize the organization’s finances and operations.
