Key facts
- The U.S. paid $725 million to the United Nations for its regular budget.
- The U.S. also paid $102 million for peacekeeping contributions.
- The U.S. still owes $1.312 billion to the U.N. regular budget.
- These payments prevent the U.S. from losing its vote in the General Assembly under Article 19.
- China paid $641.4 million for its regular budget contributions on September 1.
The Trump administration has paid $725 million to the United Nations for its regular budget and an additional $102 million for peacekeeping, resolving a significant debt dispute that threatened the U.S. voting rights at the world body. The payments ensure the U.S. will not fall under Article 19 of the U.N. Charter, which could lead to the loss of voting rights in the General Assembly if arrears exceed two years of annual fees.
U.N. spokesperson Farhan Haq confirmed the receipt of the funds, stating that the U.S. still owes $1.312 billion to the regular budget. The U.S. is the largest contributor to the U.N. budget, but under the Trump administration, it has slowed mandatory payments and cut voluntary funding to various agencies. China, the second-largest contributor, paid $641.4 million for its regular budget on September 1.
The United Nations is currently undergoing a reform and cost-cutting initiative known as "UN80" amidst a financial crisis.