UN Warns of Financial Collapse as US Withholds Nearly $4 Billion in Dues
Key Facts
- The U.S. owes approximately $2.196 billion to the UN regular operating budget.
- Outstanding U.S. debt for peacekeeping operations is estimated between $1.8 billion and $2.4 billion.
- UN Secretary-General António Guterres warned that regular budget cash could run out by July 2026.
- U.S. Ambassador Mike Waltz stated an initial payment would be made within weeks, though no specific amount was confirmed.
- Venezuela is the second-largest debtor at $38 million and has lost its General Assembly voting rights.
- The U.S. provided zero funding to the UN regular budget in 2025.
United Nations officials warned on Monday that the international body faces "imminent financial collapse" by July as the United States continues to withhold billions of dollars in membership dues and peacekeeping funds. UN Secretary-General António Guterres informed member states that cash for regular operations could be exhausted within months, noting that the U.S. accounts for approximately 95 percent of all outstanding regular budget arrears. The organization is currently awaiting details on the timing and amount of a promised payment from the Trump administration.
Historical Context
The funding shortfall follows the 2025 release of a U.S. National Security Strategy that prioritizes the nation-state over international organizations. The U.S. has historically been the largest donor to the UN, but the current administration has withdrawn from several agencies and ceased payments in 2025, citing concerns that certain UN bodies oppose U.S. and Israeli national interests.
Perspective Analysis
Sources: Al Jazeera · Politico | Aggregators: Economic Monitor · Tech Policy Wire
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