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Turner is the founder of CNN and a passionate supporter of the UN. He pledged to donate $1 billion of his own earnings over a ten year time span to the UN. In 2000, congress was arguing with the UN over their dues. In the end, Ted Turner stood up and donated $35 million on behalf of the US to pay for the dues owed to the UN.
Congress was dominated by Republicans who were against dealing with the UN. At best, they consider the UN a spendthrift and at worst they consider it an anti-American international conspiracy. Of course, the UN isn’t allowed to take money directly from individuals to pay for a country’s dues. So, Turner paid his money to the state department, who in turn paid the UN and settling their account.
The donation cut the US’s dues from 25 percent to 22 percent and reduced Washington’s share of the UN peacekeeping budget.
