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Trump to chair new “Board of Peace,” sets $1 billion fee for permanent membership
Former President Donald Trump plans to become the first chair of a newly proposed international “Board of Peace” and will have sole authority to decide which countries are invited to join. According to the draft charter obtained by Bloomberg, the Trump administration is requiring nations that seek a permanent seat in the council to contribute at least $1 billion.
Decisions within the Board would be made by majority vote, with each member state holding one vote, but all decisions must be approved by the Chair. Member states would normally serve three-year terms, renewable at the Chair’s discretion, but this term limit would not apply to countries contributing over $1 billion within the first year of the charter coming into effect.
Critics fear that the initiative is intended as an alternative or competitor to the United Nations, which Trump has long publicly criticized.
The charter describes the Board as an “international organization aimed at promoting stability, restoring predictable and lawful governance, and ensuring lasting peace in conflict-affected or at-risk regions.” The Board would acquire official status once at least three member states formally join the charter. The Chair would also approve the Board’s official emblem.
Trump has already invited world leaders, including Argentine President Javier Milei and Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney, to join a proposed Gaza Sector Council within the broader structure of the Board of Peace.
The plan has drawn criticism from leaders such as Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who said the initiative was not coordinated with his government. Several European countries have also reportedly received invitations, but concerns persist that Trump would control the finances personally, which some potential members find unacceptable. Some states are actively working on a joint response to oppose the proposed charter.
The draft stipulates that the Board would hold at least one vote-bearing session per year, as well as additional meetings whenever and wherever the Chair deems necessary. The Chair would set the agenda, and the Board would also hold quarterly non-voting meetings with its executive body.
Additionally, the Chair would have the authority to remove a member state unless opposed by two-thirds of the members and may appoint a successor to the Chair at any time.
