The Trump administration has announced a proposal to stop U.S. funding for United Nations peacekeeping missions. This decision is part of a larger plan to reduce the budget of the U.S. State Department by nearly 50% starting October 1, 2025.
The United States currently pays about 27% of the UN peacekeeping budget and 22% of the regular UN budget. If this funding is cut, many missions in countries like Mali, Lebanon, and the Democratic Republic of Congo could be affected.
Instead, the administration plans to create a new “America First Opportunities Fund” (A1OF) worth $2.1 billion to finance selected foreign aid programs. Some of these funds might still go to international organizations but under strict U.S. control.
The proposed cuts also include a significant reduction in global health programs and contributions to major organizations like NATO and UNICEF. In 2024, the U.S. gave UNICEF over $800 million. With the new proposal, UNICEF expects a 20% drop in its 2026 budget.
Jeremy Lewin, a close associate of Elon Musk’s Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), has been appointed as the acting head of foreign assistance. This marks an increase in Musk’s influence on U.S. foreign aid policy.
However, these proposals still need to be approved by Congress. In the past, Congress has rejected similar budget cuts made during Trump’s earlier presidency.
Critics argue that pulling back U.S. support from the UN could hurt global peace efforts and allow countries like China to increase their international power.
The UN, now facing a funding crisis, may have to reduce its peacekeeping activities just as it celebrates its 80th anniversary.
