Trump has paid $16 million of $4 billion; deep crisis at the United Nations

In a development that has intensified concerns over the United Nations’ financial stability, the Trump administration has reportedly paid a mere $16 million against the organisation’s outstanding dues of nearly $4 billion. Analysts warn that such a nominal contribution is insufficient to address the deepening fiscal crisis facing the UN.

On Thursday, 19 February, UN spokesperson Stéphane Dujarric confirmed the payment, noting that the funds were allocated specifically for the organisation’s regular operating budget. While this payment represents a small step towards settling arrears, the scale of the outstanding obligations remains staggering.

According to UN records, the United States alone owes approximately $2.196 billion towards the regular budget, including $767 million due for the current year. Beyond the regular budget, the US has an additional $1.8 billion outstanding for peacekeeping missions.

The US accounts for nearly 95 per cent of the UN’s total arrears, making its timely payment critical for the continuation of the organisation’s operations. Last month, UN Secretary-General António Guterres issued a stark warning that, unless member states promptly settle outstanding contributions, the UN’s regular activities could come to a complete standstill by July.

Since returning to the White House for a second term in January 2025, former President Trump has repeatedly criticised the UN, branding it “ineffective” and “full of empty rhetoric.” During his tenure, the United States withdrew from 31 UN programmes, including key initiatives on democracy funding and maternal and child health.

Despite his previous criticisms, Trump’s remarks on Thursday, 19 February, at the inaugural meeting of the newly formed Board of Peace in Washington, suggested a more conciliatory tone. “We will support them financially and ensure that they survive,” he stated. However, he did not provide a clear timeline for settling the vast arrears.

Observers caution that without a comprehensive plan and a significant increase in payments, the UN’s financial crisis may deepen, threatening critical peacekeeping operations and essential humanitarian programmes around the globe.