US pays about $160 million of the nearly $4 billion it owes the United Nations - AP News
AP News
February 19, 2026
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The United States has made a partial payment of approximately $160 million toward its nearly $4 billion overdue dues to the United Nations. This payment represents a significant but limited step toward addressing the long-standing arrears, which have accumulated over years due to funding shortfalls and political decisions by U.S. leadership. The UN had previously warned that the unpaid balance could disrupt critical global operations, including peacekeeping missions and development programs.
The U.S. has owed billions to the UN for decades, with the backlog growing under various administrations. In 2019 alone, the U.S. owed $1.5 billion in unpaid contributions, prompting the UN to reduce funding for peacekeeping missions and other essential programs. The current payment brings total U.S. payments for 2023 to around $480 million, still far short of its assessed share for the year. This shortfall has raised concerns among UN member states about the organization's ability to function effectively.
The payment reflects a broader debate in Washington over the role and funding of international institutions. Some U.S. leaders argue that the country contributes more than its share to global organizations, while others emphasize the importance of maintaining leadership within these bodies. The UN has welcomed the partial payment as a positive step but remains concerned about the ongoing financial instability caused by the arrears.
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Originally published on AP News on 2/19/2026