The Donald Trump administration has officially notified the US Congress of its intention to pay $725 million to the United Nations (UN).
The amount is intended to cover part of Washington's accumulated billion-dollar obligations to the international institution's regular budget.
According to an official State Department notice dated August 4, 2026, quoted exclusively by the world news agency Reuters (reuters.com/world/us-plans-725-million-payment-towards-its-large-un-debt-2026-08-21/), the money comes amid a deep financial crisis in the organization. International aid experts say that while the transfer is a welcome step, the amount represents less than 20% of the total US debt. According to UN data from May this year, Washington owes over $4 billion, including for peacekeeping missions and international tribunals.
White House officials emphasize that the actual transfer of funds remains tied to further structural reforms in the UN. The actions of the US authorities coincide with the preparation for the upcoming September speech by President Donald Trump to the UN General Assembly in New York. Due to the financial deficit, the world organization has already cut its budget for 2026 by 9.2% and moved over 2,000 jobs out of expensive metropolises like Geneva.