America Remained the UN’s Largest Funder in 2025 Despite Deep Cuts | American Enterprise Institute– www.aei.org

A lot of ink has been spilled and anguish expressed about President Trump abandoning the United Nations. Yet, despite deep cuts, America contributed $7.1 billion in 2025 to the UN system, far more than any other nation. This funding gives Washington substantial leverage. But the leverage is eroding. The administration must decide which organizations merit continued US engagement and clearly communicate the reforms required for continued support.

Two weeks into his second term, President Donald Trump initiated a review of all international organizations to provide recommendations on future US funding and participation. Although the review remains ongoing, the US announced decisions in 2025 and 2026 to withdraw from or cease providing funding to the Human Rights Council, the UN Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA), the World Health Organization, the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), and an additional 66 international organizations, including 31 UN entities.