Tensions between the United States and the United Nations escalated this week after the White House announced it would withdraw support from more than 30 UN-related agencies and global initiatives. In response, the UN’s top officials issued a firm reminder: under international law, the U.S. is still obligated to pay its financial contributions.

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres expressed deep regret over the decision, while his spokesperson, Stephane Dujarric, emphasized that assessed contributions to the UN’s regular and peacekeeping budgets are not optional.

Despite the funding cuts, UN leaders insist their work will continue.

Since President Donald Trump’s return to office, the relationship between the U.S. and the UN has become increasingly fragile. Over the past year, the administration has pushed to reduce billions of dollars in international aid, targeting organizations involved in climate policy, migration, labor rights, and humanitarian assistance.

While UN officials had previously succeeded in securing a $2 billion humanitarian aid agreement last month, Wednesday’s announcement caught many diplomats off guard. Several UN representatives said they learned of the funding withdrawals through news reports and White House social media posts, not official communication.

“There has been no formal notice from the U.S. government,” Dujarric told reporters.

As a result, many UN agencies remain uncertain about how the cuts will affect their operations.

Following a yearlong review of U.S. involvement in international organizations, President Trump signed an executive order suspending American support for 66 groups, agencies, and commissions.

Among the most affected:

The administration claims many of these bodies promote “woke” or diversity-focused agendas that no longer align with U.S. interests.

Instead of paying into the UN system as a whole, the U.S. has adopted a selective, à la carte approach, funding only the programs it supports politically.

The U.S. withdrawal from the UNFCCC, the treaty that underpins international climate negotiations, was widely expected. The agreement supports climate change mitigation efforts in developing nations and serves as the foundation for the Paris Climate Agreement, which Trump exited shortly after returning to office.

UNFCCC Executive Secretary Simon Stiell warned that the decision could backfire economically.

He also highlighted the massive business opportunities in clean energy, climate resilience, and advanced technology that American investors risk missing.

“The door remains open for the U.S. to reenter,” he added.

One of the most affected agencies is the UN Population Fund (UNFPA), which provides sexual and reproductive health services worldwide. The organization has long faced opposition from Republican lawmakers, who accuse it of supporting abortion services abroad.

Trump previously cut funding to UNFPA during his first term, making the latest withdrawal less surprising.

Still, UN officials argue the agency plays a critical role in reducing maternal mortality, supporting family planning, and protecting women’s health in crisis zones.

The United Nations operates on two major budgets:

Funds day-to-day operations and programs

Supports UN missions worldwide

According to UN officials, the United States failed to pay its full regular budget contribution last year, violating the UN Charter.

If a country falls too far behind, it can lose its voting rights in the UN General Assembly.

America’s retreat from international cooperation is already influencing other Western nations. Countries such as France and the United Kingdom are reassessing humanitarian spending, redirecting funds toward military budgets instead.

This shift raises concerns that global humanitarian aid, climate action, and peacekeeping missions could face long-term financial instability.

While the U.S. government has not released detailed guidance on how funding cuts will be implemented, UN agencies are preparing to continue their work with or without American support.

The UN leadership hopes diplomatic channels remain open and that the U.S. will reconsider its position, especially given the economic and humanitarian consequences of disengagement.

For now, one message from the United Nations is clear:

Membership comes with responsibilities — and paying dues is not optional.