US Pays $725 Million to UN, Averts Vote Loss Risk

The Trump administration has paid $725 million toward the United Nations’ regular budget, along with $102 million for peacekeeping, reducing U.S. arrears and preserving its voting rights at the upcoming General Assembly. The United States still owes $1.312 billion in regular-budget assessments, but the payments remove the immediate risk of losing its vote under Article 19 of the U.N. Charter in 2027. The payment follows President Trump’s criticism of the U.N., cuts to several U.N. agencies, and demands that future U.S. contributions be tied to organizational reforms. The U.N. is pursuing cost-cutting and restructuring through its “UN80” initiative amid a broader financial crisis.