Gibbs: ‘Unfortunate’ word choice to call U.S. a ‘deadbeat’

Press Secretary Robert Gibbs pushed back against the characterization that the U.S. is a “deadbeat” in its payments to support the United Nations during his daily briefing on Thursday.

“I think, given the contribution that the American taxpayer makes, I do think it…would be appropriate to acknowledge that role,” Gibbs said today.

When asked yesterday if he would use the term “deadbeat” to describe the U.S.’s outstanding $1.6 billion obligation to the U.N., Secretary-General Ban Ki-Moon said he would.

“I would note for the secretary general that his word choice was unfortunate, given the fact that the American taxpayer is the largest contributor to the United Nations,” Gibbs added.