The United Nations is presently in a state of anticipation concerning forthcoming payments from the United States, which carries a substantial debt nearing $4 billion to the international organization. This development arises amid public warnings from UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres about the organization's potentially dire financial situation unless member countries adhere to payment obligations or institutional reforms are enacted.
Specifically, the U.S. owes $2.196 billion toward the UN's regular operating budget, of which $767 million pertains to the current fiscal year, according to information disclosed by a UN official. In addition to this, the United States has accumulated arrears amounting to $1.8 billion tied to the separate budget governing the UN's extensive peacekeeping operations, a figure that is expected to increase over time.
Reacting to inquiries, the U.S. Mission to the United Nations confirmed statements from Ambassador Mike Waltz indicating that the Trump administration plans to initiate a significant down payment addressing these overdue amounts within a few weeks. However, the precise amount that will be paid has not yet been finalized. This update had initially been reported by Reuters.
Stephane Dujarric, the spokesperson for the United Nations, assured reporters that Secretary-General Guterres has maintained communications with Ambassador Waltz for an extended period, and the UN’s financial controller has also been in contact with U.S. officials to discuss this fiscal matter. Despite these ongoing discussions, the UN remains uncertain about the exact timing and volume of incoming payments.
In a recent correspondence addressed to all member states, Secretary-General Guterres highlighted that the UN risks depleting funds allocated to its regular operations as soon as July, a scenario which could severely hamper a broad array of activities and projects globally.
President Donald Trump has expressed dissatisfaction with the United Nations, citing concerns over its efficiency and value. His administration abstained from contributing funds to the UN in 2025 and has also taken the step of pulling out from several UN-affiliated entities including the World Health Organization and UNESCO, in addition to cutting financial support for numerous other UN agencies. UN officials have stated that the United States accounts for approximately 95% of all arrears linked to the regular budget.
The next largest contributor in arrears to the UN’s mandatory dues is Venezuela, which owes an outstanding amount of $38 million. Venezuela’s financial troubles date back to before the U.S. military operation in January that led to the ousting of former President Nicolás Maduro. As a consequence of being in arrears for two years, Venezuela has forfeited its voting rights within the UN General Assembly.
Regarding compliance by other member states, it is noted that nearly 60 countries completed their annual dues payments by the February 8 deadline.