The United States will soon transfer a substantial initial sum to offset its multi-billion-pound debts to the United Nations, its ambassador has announced, while pressing for accelerated reforms at the organisation.
Mike Waltz disclosed this in a phone interview with reporters, following UN Secretary-General António Guterres’ 28 January warning to 193 member states of an impending cash crisis. Guterres highlighted risks of collapse by mid-year, aggravated by rules forcing refunds of uncollected dues, such as $227 million repaid this year.
UN accounts reveal the U.S. owes over 95 per cent of the $2.19 billion regular budget shortfall as of early February, plus $2.4 billion for peacekeeping and $43.6 million for tribunals. It defaulted on 2025’s $827 million share and faces $767 million for 2026.
“You’ll certainly see an initial tranche of money very shortly,” Waltz said. “It’ll be a significant downpayment on our annual dues. I don’t believe that the ultimate figure is decided, but it’ll be in a matter of weeks.”
President Donald Trump enacted a $3.1 billion spending bill on Tuesday, allocating funds for UN dues. Waltz noted the payment addresses “arrears, and also in recognition of some of the reforms that we’ve seen.”
Under Trump, the U.S. has delayed core payments, cut voluntary contributions, and quit agencies like the World Health Organization. Waltz backed Guterres’ UN80 efficiency push but called it belated.
“It doesn’t go far enough, but it’s an important step. I wish the secretary-general had made it in year one or two of his tenure, not year nine,” he said.
“We’re very focused on getting back to basics, on peace and security. And the president is rightly asking, how can we get the UN back to realizing its full potential? All of those conversations are currently being had and are in play, and we expect to see more reforms coming,” Waltz said.
He framed the approach as “tough love,” targeting redundancies like seven climate agencies. “This is some tough love. The current model is unsustainable for a lot of countries, and we’re trying to get the UN back, fit for purpose and focused, and stop trying to do everything for everyone.”
“Now, regardless of the climate change debate, we don’t need seven,” he said. “The UN bureaucracy has grown too large, and needs to be much more efficient and effective.”
The $3.45 billion 2026 budget, passed 30 December, exceeds Guterres’ proposal by $200 million but falls seven per cent below 2025’s, funding global operations and staff.