Story perspectives

Trump Pledges $1.8 B to UN, $2 B Still Owed

5/15/2026

Summary

Story summary

U.S. President Donald Trump announced a $1.8 billion contribution to the United Nations, compared with $17 billion in fiscal 2022.
Tom Fletcher, the U.N. humanitarian chief, said the agency needs $33 billion and will use U.S. package to aid 22 million in 18 crises.
The United States has paid only $160 million of its $4 billion arrears, leaving $2 billion in regular budget and $2.2 billion in peacekeeping contributions unpaid, which Human Rights Watch warned fosters an ‘autocrat’s dream’.

History

Historical Context

Following the Cold War, UN peacekeeping grew sharply, with the 1990s hosting the most missions and a $6.38 billion budget for 2021-22. The United States, providing about 28 % of assessed contributions in 2020-21, is the largest single donor, while the five permanent Security Council members fund 59 % of operations. Shifts in U.S. payments have repeatedly strained the budget and limited missions such as Bosnia and Rwanda.

1 of 2

Story summary

U.S. President Donald Trump announced a $1.8 billion contribution to the United Nations, compared with $17 billion in fiscal 2022.
Tom Fletcher, the U.N. humanitarian chief, said the agency needs $33 billion and will use U.S. package to aid 22 million in 18 crises.
The United States has paid only $160 million of its $4 billion arrears, leaving $2 billion in regular budget and $2.2 billion in peacekeeping contributions unpaid, which Human Rights Watch warned fosters an ‘autocrat’s dream’.

1 / 2