The administration of US President Donald Trump is asking countries aiming for a permanent seat on his new Peace Board to contribute at least $1 billion.
This is according to a draft statute of the proposed group, obtained by Bloomberg.
According to the document, Trump will serve as the first chairman of the Peace Board and will have the authority to decide which countries are invited as members. Decisions will be made by majority vote, with each member state present having one vote, but all will be subject to the chairman's final approval.
The draft stipulates that members' terms will last up to three years, with the possibility of renewal by the chairman. However, this limitation will not apply to countries that contribute over $1 billion within the first year of the charter's entry into force, ensuring them permanent membership.
Critics worry that Trump's initiative aims to create an alternative or rival to the United Nations, an organization he has repeatedly criticized. In its charter, the Peace Board is described as "an international organization aimed at promoting stability, restoring credible governance, and ensuring lasting peace in areas affected by or threatened by conflict."
The plan calls for the board to become official once three states agree to the charter. Trump would also have final say on approving the organization's official seal and the agenda for meetings, which would be held at least once a year.
As part of the initiative, Trump has invited several world leaders, including Argentine President Javier Miel and Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney, to join a post-war Gaza Peace Board, which would operate under the umbrella of the new Peace Board. The plan has drawn immediate backlash, including criticism from Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who said the details had not been coordinated with Israel.
Sources familiar with the matter say several European countries have been invited to participate but oppose the current draft, particularly Trump's dominant role in controlling the funds. Some countries are working to collectively oppose the proposals.
A US official confirmed to Bloomberg that basic membership would be free, but a $1 billion payment would secure permanent status. He said the funds would be used directly to implement the Peace Board’s mandate, including the reconstruction of Gaza, ensuring that almost every dollar goes to that end.
The White House also announced the creation of an initial executive panel, which will include Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff, Jared Kushner and former British Prime Minister Tony Blair, ahead of the full formation of the board.
