The Trump administration pledged a total of $3.8 billion in U.S. humanitarian aid to the UN across 21 countries, with $1.8 billion announced for the coming year on top of $2 billion previously pledged in December.

Critics argue that past funding cuts reduced UN agency spending and jobs, potentially harming aid effectiveness and U.S. soft power, while supporters say the approach is targeted and transparent.

Before the latest pledge, the UN had raised about $7.38 billion toward its 2026 plan, with the U.S. positioned as a major donor and claims that aid decisions are selective to align with U.S. interests.

The funding strategy reflects an individualized U.N. funding approach under the Trump era, favoring agencies and operations aligned with U.S. interests and implying some agencies may need to adapt or shrink.

The U.S. still owes about $160 million toward UN dues and has far larger arrears overall, with leaders insisting that assessed contributions are non-negotiable.

UN agencies warn that hundreds of millions remain in urgent need due to wars, epidemics, earthquakes, and climate shocks, with a 2026 appeal seeking roughly $33 billion to help 135 million people.

UN humanitarian chief Tom Fletcher says the sector is overstretched and cites a 2026 plan to reach 87 million people at a $23 billion cost, even as estimates suggest up to 300 million could need aid.

US Ambassador Mike Waltz defends reforms as increasing transparency and effectiveness, arguing the approach unlocks the UN’s potential while tailoring funding to U.S. interests.

Officials warn that needs are rising amid conflicts and disasters, with funding increasingly constrained, while the U.S. asserts it is not abandoning its aid commitments.

Undersecretary Jeremy Lewin said funding will focus on areas where U.S. interests align with the president’s priorities, and not all U.S. humanitarian funding will go through the UN’s OCHA.

The backdrop includes Trump’s history of criticizing the UN and withdrawing from some UN bodies and agreements.

These payments occur within a broader context of the former president’s criticism of the UN and his withdrawal from several UN-sponsored initiatives.