Trump wants $1 billion from countries to join his new Board of Peace

The Price Tag for Permanent Membership

President Trump is asking countries to pay $1 billion if they want a permanent seat on his new Board of Peace.

A draft charter obtained by Bloomberg shows that without that payment, member nations only get three-year terms that Trump himself can choose to renew or not.

The board was created to rebuild Gaza, but the charter never mentions Gaza and describes the body as something much bigger: an international organization for resolving global conflicts.

Critics say Trump is building a rival to the United Nations, and several European nations are already pushing back.

$1 Billion Buys Permanent Membership

The draft charter spells it out clearly. Countries that contribute more than $1 billion in cash during the first year get to stay on the board permanently. Everyone else serves three-year terms subject to renewal by the chairman, who is Trump.

A US official confirmed to Bloomberg that while joining is free, the billion-dollar fee is what secures a permanent seat. The money raised will go toward rebuilding Gaza, according to the official.

Trump Holds Sweeping Chairman Powers

The charter gives Trump control that no international body typically grants to one person.

He decides who gets invited. He approves all votes, even ones that pass by a majority. He sets the agenda and calls meetings whenever he deems appropriate.

He can remove members, though a two-thirds majority of member states can veto that decision. The charter also says Trump will designate his own successor and approve the official seal.

The Charter Never Mentions Gaza

The Board of Peace was announced as part of Trump’s 20-point plan to end the Gaza war, endorsed by the UN Security Council in November 2025 as a Gaza-focused, time-limited body through 2027.

But the draft charter obtained by Bloomberg and The Atlantic describes the board as an international organization that seeks to promote stability and secure peace in areas affected by conflict. Gaza is not mentioned anywhere.

The document’s preamble says the board will depart from institutions that have too often failed, a clear reference to the UN.

Critics argue the current body bears little resemblance to what the Security Council believed it was endorsing.

Critics Call It a Mini-UN

Western diplomats who reviewed the charter told reporters it looks like Trump is building a Trump-led United Nations.

A senior US official said the expanded role remains aspirational but possible, especially as the administration has repeatedly expressed frustration with the UN. Trump and his allies have called the world body bloated, redundant, and ineffective.

The board would become official once just three member states agree to the charter.

Executive Board Named on Friday

The White House announced the founding executive board on January 17, 2026.

Members include Secretary of State Marco Rubio, special envoy Steve Witkoff, Trump’s son-in-law Jared Kushner, former British Prime Minister Tony Blair, Apollo Global Management CEO Marc Rowan, World Bank President Ajay Banga, and deputy national security adviser Robert Gabriel Jr.

Bulgarian diplomat Nickolay Mladenov was named high representative for Gaza to handle day-to-day operations.

Netanyahu Blindsided by Board Composition

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu issued a sharp public rebuke after the board’s composition was announced. His office said the makeup was not coordinated with Israel and runs contrary to its policy.

A senior US official told Israeli media that the White House deliberately chose not to inform Netanyahu about certain appointments.

The official’s message was blunt: Gaza is now being handled by the US, and Netanyahu should focus on other issues like Iran.

Israel Objects to Turkey and Qatar

Netanyahu’s anger centers on Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan and Qatari diplomat Ali Al-Thawadi being named to the Gaza Executive Board. Israel has long accused both countries of supporting Hamas.

Opposition leader Yair Lapid called it a diplomatic failure, saying Turkey and Qatar are ideological partners of Hamas and the Muslim Brotherhood.

Former Prime Minister Naftali Bennett said the inclusion rewards Hamas for the October 7 massacre.

US Official Says Gaza Is Our Show

American officials made clear they intend to run Gaza reconstruction on their own terms.

One official told Israeli media that if Netanyahu wants the Trump administration to deal with Gaza, they will do it their way. The official added that the administration has no intention to argue with the prime minister.

An Israeli source familiar with the matter said Netanyahu knew Turkish and Qatari officials might be included and tried to prevent it, but lost that battle.

Argentina and Hungary Accept Invitations

Argentine President Javier Milei posted Trump’s invitation letter on social media and called it an honor to join as a founding member. He said Argentina will always stand with countries that confront terrorism and promote peace.

Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban also accepted, with Foreign Minister Peter Szijjarto saying Hungary is honored and will participate in the board’s work.

European Nations Push Back

Several European governments are coordinating to oppose the draft charter, according to Bloomberg sources. Diplomats who reviewed the proposal described Trump’s personal control over the board’s funds as absolutely unacceptable.

Only Hungary gave an unequivocal acceptance among the European nations invited.

France, Germany, Spain, and the United Kingdom declined to join.

Over 60 Countries Invited

Trump sent letters to world leaders inviting them to become founding members. Recipients include Turkish President Erdogan, Egyptian President el-Sisi, Italian Prime Minister Meloni, and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen.

The letters say the board will embark on a bold new approach to resolving global conflict.

A signing ceremony took place on January 22, 2026, at the World Economic Forum in Davos.

The board needs only three member states to agree to the charter to become official.

What Happens Next at Davos

Trump called the Board of Peace the greatest and most prestigious board ever assembled at any time, any place. The White House says more members will be announced in the coming weeks.

Whether enough countries sign on despite European resistance remains unclear.

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres emphasized that only the Security Council holds legal authority over international peace and security, stating that no other body or ad-hoc coalition can legally require member states to comply with decisions on peace and security.

The UN will continue its mandated work regardless.

This article was created with AI assistance and human editing.

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