U.S. Pledges $2 Billion for UN Relief, Far Below Past Contributions

Overview

• The pledge marks a sharp drop from recent U.S. support that reached about $17 billion annually, according to UN figures.
• U.S. officials describe the $2 billion as an initial tranche for the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs and seek a more consolidated, targeted aid system aligned with U.S. policy.
• The State Department warned UN bodies that they must adapt, cut staff or “die” as funding tightens.
• UN finances remain strained with roughly $3 billion in unpaid dues including U.S. arrears, prompting hiring freezes and reductions to assistance programs.
• OCHA reports 2025 humanitarian funding at a decade low leaving millions without food and medical help, even as UN humanitarian chief Tom Fletcher hailed the $2 billion as an unprecedented boost to OCHA-run funds and signaled moves to cut bureaucracy.