The United States has paid roughly $160 million of the more than $4 billion it owes to the United Nations, a UN spokesperson confirmed Thursday, coinciding with the inaugural meeting of President Donald Trump’s newly created Board of Peace.
The partial payment covers a fraction of past dues, with the U.S. still owing $2.19 billion to the regular UN budget, over 95% of total global arrears. Additional liabilities include $2.4 billion for current and past peacekeeping missions and $43.6 million for UN tribunals.
Trump Pledges Support While Critics Raise Concerns
During the Board of Peace opening session, Trump stated the U.S. would provide funding to “help them money-wise” and ensure the UN remains “viable,” while praising the organization’s potential. Despite this, the administration has previously withdrawn from dozens of UN agencies and slashed voluntary funding, leaving the U.S. as the largest contributor in arrears.
Experts caution that Trump’s Board of Peace, chaired personally by the president, risks undermining the UN. While officially recognized under a UN Security Council resolution through 2027, the board’s scope was initially limited to Gaza to oversee reconstruction and temporary governance following Israel’s two-year assault. Trump, however, has since indicated the board could expand to tackle global conflicts, prompting criticism that it resembles a colonial oversight structure and lacks Palestinian representation.
First Board of Peace Meeting
Thursday’s gathering at the U.S. Institute of Peace in Washington drew representatives from 47 nations, but key U.S. allies and Global South powers have been hesitant to participate. No UN representatives attended the event. Trump announced over $7 billion had been raised for Gaza reconstruction, with the United States pledging an additional $10 billion. Several Middle Eastern nations and others, including Kazakhstan, UAE, Qatar, and Indonesia, committed funds or troops for an international stabilization force.
Despite the pledges, questions remain about the board’s legitimacy and its capacity to coordinate reconstruction in Gaza while respecting international law. Critics warn that a U.S.-led board without Palestinian inclusion could undermine both the UN and long-term stability in the region.
Trump framed the meeting as a diplomatic showcase, using personal flattery and fanfare while highlighting his administration’s funding and global commitments. Yet UN experts and observers stress that without Palestinian participation and proper multilateral oversight, the Board of Peace may face significant political and operational challenges.
