Foreign Policy

US Announces Major $285 Million Cut To UN Budget

President Trump threatened to cut countries' aid after his decision to move Israel's capital proved unpopular.

US Announces Major $285 Million Cut To UN Budget
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U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations Nikki Haley announced a $285 million cut to next year's U.N. operating budget. 

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

But the move might also be President Trump following through on threats he made last week. Trump warned he would cut funding to countries that didn't support his decision to recognize Jerusalem as Israel's capital.

In a mostly symbolic vote, the U.N. General Assembly overwhelmingly condemned Trump's decision to relocate the U.S. Embassy from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem. 

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In response, he said: "They take hundreds of millions of dollars, and even billions of dollars, then they vote against us. Well, we're watching those votes. Let them vote against us. We'll save a lot."

About 22 percent of the U.N.'s budget comes from the U.S.

Additional reporting from Newsy affiliate CNN