Archive · 3 Aug 2025
UN Prepares for Cuts as Trump Threatens to Slash Funding
The UN is making big changes because the US, which gives the UN a lot of money, might give less.
The UN is planning to cut spending and some jobs to save money.
This is happening because the US president, Donald Trump, has already stopped some funding and might cut more.
Some people at the UN and in the US have different ideas about these changes.
The UN hopes these changes will help it continue to work, even with less money from the US.
The UN is planning cuts and reforms due to the US threatening to reduce funding.
Secretary-General Antonio Guterres plans a 20% cut in spending and employment.
The US, traditionally providing 22% of the UN budget, has already suspended funding.
The UN is facing a liquidity crisis, and agencies like UNICEF and UNESCO are also cutting back.
Guterres's plan has faced criticism both from Trump allies and UN staff.
- Who
- Secretary-General Antonio Guterres and the Trump administration are key figures.
- What
- The UN is implementing budget cuts and reforms due to potential funding reductions from the US.
- When
- The plan is expected to be detailed in a budget released in September.
- Where
- The United Nations headquarters.
- Why
- To adapt to potential cuts in US funding and address a liquidity crisis.
UN Staff
Trump Allies
Staff Opposition
UN Staff
Some UN staff view the cuts as lacking focus and strategic purpose.
Trump Allies
N/A
Strategic Purpose
UN Staff
Lack of Strategic Purpose in the cuts.
Trump Allies
N/A
- Budget Cut Percentage
- 20%
- Budget Cuts Since
- 2018
- Original Budget
- $3.7 billion
- Job Cuts
- Approx. 3,000
- US Funding Share
- 22%