US pays about $160m towards nearly $4bn in UN dues

Al Jazeera

February 20, 2026

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The United States has paid approximately $160 million toward its nearly $4 billion in overdue UN dues, according to a recent announcement by the United Nations. While this payment contributes to the organization’s regular operating budget, it does not resolve the significant financial arrears that the US continues to owe, including $2.196 billion for the regular budget and another $1.8 billion for peacekeeping operations. The UN has faced a growing financial crisis due to unpaid dues from member states, with the US accounting for roughly 95% of these arrears. President Trump, who has long criticized the UN as ineffective and slashed foreign aid budgets, appeared to soften his stance during the inaugural meeting of his Board of Peace in Washington, DC. He expressed a willingness to support the organization financially and emphasized its importance in global affairs. However, Trump’s administration has repeatedly cut funding for UN programs and withdrawn from international commitments, raising concerns about the US’s long-term commitment to the organization. The UN’s financial struggles are severe, with Secretary-General António Guterres warning of an “imminent financial collapse” unless member states fulfill their obligations or reforms are made to the organization’s funding system. The US, as the largest donor, is under particular pressure to address its overdue payments, which currently threaten the UN’s ability to carry out its critical global functions. Despite Trump’s recent supportive remarks, his track record of reducing foreign aid and withdrawing from international agreements has left many questioning the sustainability of US contributions to the UN. The establishment of Trump’s Board of Peace is seen by some as an attempt to rival the UN Security Council’s role in conflict resolution, further complicating the organization’s efforts to maintain its authority and effectiveness. This situation matters because the UN plays a vital role in maintaining international peace, addressing global crises, and promoting cooperation among nations. Without sufficient funding and political support from key member states like the US, the organization’s ability to fulfill its mandate is at risk,

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Originally published on Al Jazeera on 2/20/2026