After announcing in late January that it is on the verge of an “imminent financial collapse,” the United Nations is getting a financial lifeline courtesy of the United States.
But there’s a catch.
U.S. Ambassador to the U.N. Mike Waltz told Fox News that the Trump administration will send an initial payment toward billions in overdue United Nations dues within weeks — but that the payment comes with strings attached.
The United States will make an initial payment toward the billions of dollars it owes to the United Nations in a matter of weeks, the U.S. ambassador to the world body said Friday. https://t.co/stDqQ970mG
— The Japan Times (@japantimes) February 7, 2026
“The United States pays to the U.N. system more than 180 countries combined,” Waltz said.
“We have historically been the largest supporter of the U.N., but under President Trump, we’re demanding reform.”
Waltz said the administration’s pressure has already produced results after U.N. officials agreed to cut nearly 3,000 headquarters positions and approved its first budget reduction in 80 years.
The organization also plans to reduce global peacekeeping forces by 25%, according to reports.
Waltz stressed that the U.N. has strayed from its founding mission and grown bloated.
“The U.N.’s budget has quadrupled in the last 25 years,” he said.
“We haven’t seen a quadrupling of peace around the world. In fact, it’s gone the opposite direction.”
Waltz pointed to redundancy within the organization, noting seven U.N. agencies list climate change as their primary focus.
“Now, regardless of the climate change debate, we don’t need seven,” Waltz said.