UN Secretary-General António Guterres is received by British Prime Minister Keir Starmer at 10 Downing Street in London on Friday, January 16, 2026.Image: keystone
Feb 20, 2026, 10:22 p.mFeb 20, 2026, 10:22 p.m
The US has paid part of its outstanding dues to the United Nations. The UN has received $160 million, Secretary-General António Guterres’ spokesman Stéphane Dujarric announced. This is now intended to offset backlogs from 2025. Overall, the USA has to pay billions in additional payments.
The USA is the largest contributor to the regular UN budget. However, under President Trump, the country has withdrawn from numerous UN organizations and has also withdrawn from agreements under the auspices of the United Nations.
Guterres warned of financial collapse
Cuts and late payments by the USA, among others, have plunged the world organization into a deep crisis – Guterres even warned of an “immediate financial collapse” in January. If a solution is not found, the money for the regular budget could run out in July, according to a letter from the UN chief to the 193 member states.
It is unclear whether the US payment indicates a change of course by Trump. If further payments are received, we will be informed, said the spokesman.
Critics fear that Trump is seeking to build the Peace Council he founded as a rival organization to the UN. At the body’s first meeting on Thursday, the US President implied that the Peace Council should watch over the United Nations. He did not give exact details. Apart from the USA, none of the five permanent members of the UN Security Council have so far officially joined Trump’s new foundation. (sda/dpa)