Washington, DC — The United States plans to make an initial payment within weeks toward billions of dollars it owes the United Nations, according to U.S. Ambassador to the UN Michael Waltz, amid warnings that the organization faces a looming financial crisis.
In a telephone interview with Reuters, Waltz said the payment would serve as a “significant down payment” on U.S. arrears but emphasized that continued UN reforms remain a priority for the Trump administration. The exact amount has not yet been finalized, though Waltz indicated it would be directed broadly toward overdue obligations.
UN officials say the United States accounts for more than 95 percent of unpaid contributions to the organization’s regular budget, totaling about $2.19 billion as of early February. Washington also owes roughly $2.4 billion for peacekeeping operations and $43.6 million for UN tribunals. The General Assembly approved a $3.45 billion regular budget for 2026, covering core operations such as staffing, development programs, and human rights work.
The funding shortfall comes as Secretary-General António Guterres has warned the UN could face “imminent financial collapse,” potentially running out of cash by July. While Congress recently passed a spending bill allocating $3.1 billion for UN dues and other international organizations, it remains unclear how much of the initial payment will be applied to past versus current obligations.
Waltz said the administration supports Guterres’ UN80 reform initiative but argues the effort does not go far enough. He described the U.S. approach as “tough love,” calling for reduced duplication, consolidation of agencies, and a leaner UN bureaucracy focused on peace and security.
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