The Better World Campaign responded to the Administration’s proposed rescissions package, released today, that would slash more than $4.9 billion from accounts that fund America’s global engagement, including U.S. dues to the United Nations, peacekeeping missions and development assistance.
Just as President Trump is engaging at the UN and the UN Security Council, failing to pay U.S. dues to the UN will dramatically reduce America’s diplomatic leverage at the UN and bolster the interests of countries who don’t share our values. These rescissions would erode America’s influence, jeopardize critical alliances and create a vacuum that strategic competitors like China are eager to fill.
“Reform is necessary — but retreat is not reform,” said Peter Yeo, President of the Better World Campaign. “By withholding more than a billion dollars in peacekeeping and UN dues, the U.S. risks giving up its vote, and it will unequivocally result in lost leverage and leadership.”
“Reform is necessary — but retreat is not reform.”
Peter Yeo, President of the Better World Campaign
UN peacekeeping has long enjoyed bipartisan support as a cost effective tool that advances American security. Numerous U.S. Government Accountability Office analyses have shown that peacekeeping costs are eight times less expensive than deploying U.S. troops, saving American taxpayers while stabilizing fragile regions.
“If these cuts move forward, the U.S. will lose its voice when we need it most,” Yeo added. “China and Russia would be more than happy to fill that void. The United States should be leading reform at the UN — not abandoning the field to our competitors.”
For eight decades, the U.S. has shaped and benefited from a strong UN system. BWC urges Congress to reject these rescissions and instead double down on America’s historic role: leading from within, pressing for accountability and ensuring that global institutions continue to serve U.S. interests and values.
“If these cuts move forward, the U.S. will lose its voice when we need it most.”
Proposed Rescissions
$521 million from the Contributions to International Organizations (CIO) account, which funds U.S. dues to the UN and its specialized agencies, ensuring America has a voice and a vote at the table.
Eliminating funding to the UN regular budget when the UN is in financial crisis will weaken U.S. standing and slow reforms the UN is effectively undertaking.
$393 million from UN peacekeeping assessments (CIPA), which prevent conflict from spreading and protect civilians and U.S. priorities in volatile regions.
This includes the UN mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (MONUSCO), which has reduced civilian killings and helped keep the country unified. The Trump Administration has prioritized ending the long-running conflict in eastern Congo. Defunding MONUSCO now would undercut its own peace efforts, fueling renewed violence and insecurity. Greater instability would also risk pushing Congo closer to China, which is seeking access to critical minerals at America’s expense.
More than $445 million from Peacekeeping Operations (PKO), which support U.S. security priorities in regions like Somalia.
This account also supports the Global Peace Operations Initiative (GPOI), which prepares other country’s militaries to support UN peace operations. GPOI saves lives, eases pressure on U.S. military forces and builds self-sufficient peacekeeping by helping countries like Mongolia develop their own training. By strengthening defense ties and fostering security cooperation, GPOI advances U.S. strategic interests in the Asia-Pacific region.
Media Contact: Kathryn Kross | kkross@unfoundation.org | 202-887-9040 ext 8577
