US announces $285M cut in 2018-19 UN operating budget

United States Ambassador to the United Nations Nikki Haley has announced a $285 million cut to the U.N. budget for the 2018‑2019 fiscal year.

The historic budget cut comes just days after 120 nations condemned US President Donald Trump's decision to recognize Jerusalem as the capital of Israel.

Haley accused the U.N. of budgetary excess when making the announcement; while she did not make it clear if all the reductions would come from the U.S., she didn't mention any other nations.

The U.N. has an overall $5.4‑billion biennial budget, of which the U.S. funds about 22 percent, according to Newsweek.

Each member nation is required to make a contribution, but the contributions are based on factors such as population and gross national income.

Haley said the inefficiency and overspending of the United Nations are well known and they will no longer let the generosity of the American people be taken advantage of or remain unchecked.

These budget cuts may not be the end for the U.N. under Trump's administration.

The US president's proposed spending budget for 2018 would end funding for U.N. climate change programs and reduce funding for the U.N. Children's Fund — UNICEF — by 16 percent.