Trump says he can easily solve UN's financial problems : Shared by Margherita Amadeo

Trump says he can solve UN financial problem 'very easily'

Sophia Cai

Politico

February 1, 2026

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**Summary**

President Trump claimed he could resolve the United Nations' financial crisis but declined to say whether the United States would pay the billions of dollars it owes the international body. 

Speaking by phone from Florida, Trump said he was unaware the U.S. was behind on its commitments but insisted he could get member nations to pay their dues if asked. 

His comments followed reports that senior UN officials warned the organization could be forced to scale back operations or shut its New York headquarters if it runs out of cash. 

The U.S. currently owes $2.196 billion to the UN's regular budget plus $1.8 billion for peacekeeping operations. Despite frequently attacking the UN and recently withdrawing from 66 international organizations including multiple UN entities, Trump struck a protective tone toward the institution, dismissing any possibility it would leave New York and describing it as having "tremendous potential."

**Quotes**

"If they came to Trump and told him, I'd get everybody to pay up, just like I got NATO to pay up. All I have to do is call these countries… they would send checks within minutes."

"I don't think it's appropriate. The U.N. is not leaving New York, and it's not leaving the United States, because the U.N. has tremendous potential."

"When I'm no longer around to settle wars, the U.N. can. It has tremendous potential. Tremendous."