Trump Administration Proposes Defunding UN Peacekeeping Operations

International Desk

Washington, April 16, 2025: The White House Office of Management and Budget (OMB) has proposed eliminating U.S. funding for UN peacekeeping missions in Mali, Lebanon, and the Democratic Republic of Congo, citing mission failures. According to a leaked internal document obtained by Reuters, the proposal recommends halting financial contributions for these operations entirely.

The United States is the largest contributor to the United Nations, funding 22% of its $3.7 billion regular budget and 27% of the $5.6 billion peacekeeping budget. Both contributions are mandatory under UN agreements.

The OMB’s passback proposal for the fiscal year beginning October 1, 2025, also suggests cutting the State Department’s budget by nearly half. While this recommendation requires congressional approval, lawmakers can modify or reject the proposal entirely.

State Department spokesperson Tammy Bruce stated that the budget plan is not yet finalized. The proposal has drawn comparisons to former President Donald Trump’s first term, during which he sought to reduce foreign aid and diplomatic funding by a third, a move Congress ultimately blocked.

UN peacekeeping funds are currently allocated across nine missions, including those in Mali, Lebanon, South Sudan, and the Golan Heights. The OMB document also suggests creating a $2.1 billion “America First Opportunity Fund” (A1OF) to prioritize international economic and development aid.

UN spokesperson Stéphane Dujarric declined to comment on the leaked proposal, calling it part of the U.S. government’s internal deliberations.

The UN is reportedly owed $1.5 billion by the U.S. for its regular budget and $1.2 billion for peacekeeping operations. Failure to settle arrears within two years could result in the loss of U.S. voting rights in the General Assembly.

UN Secretary-General António Guterres recently emphasized efforts to improve efficiency and reduce costs as the organization marks its 80th anniversary amid financial challenges.