Trump administration says UN budget cuts top $1 billion

The Trump administration says it has helped secure more than $1 billion in cuts to United Nations budgets over the past six months, framing the reductions as part of a broader push to make the organization more efficient. The latest change came on June 30, when all 193 U.N. member states approved a peacekeeping budget of about $5.1 billion for the next fiscal year, roughly $550 million less than the previous year. U.S. officials say that, combined with a 15% cut to the U.N.'s regular budget approved in December, the total savings exceed $1 billion. U.S. Ambassador for U.N. Management and Reform Jeff Bartos said the administration sees the agreements as evidence that reform momentum is building. He also pointed to a new fouryear trial rule on unspent budget credits, which would return unused funds only when the cash has actually been received. U.N. officials said the change could help the organization manage resources more predictably. The administration says further reforms are planned, including changes to staff compensation, benefits, and the pension system. Those efforts are expected to remain a focus as member states prepare to choose the next secretarygeneral in 2027.