Trump wants nations to pay $1b to stay on his peace board

Darwin, 19 January: Countries seeking permanent membership on a proposed new international body for Gaza — dubbed the “Board of Peace” — would be required to contribute at least $1 billion in funding, according to a draft charter reviewed by Bloomberg.

The proposal, put forward under the Trump administration, envisions former U.S. President Donald Trump serving as the first chair of the board. Bloomberg reports that the draft document grants the chair sweeping authority over the organisation’s structure, membership and decision-making process.

Under the draft charter, Trump would have the final say on which countries are admitted as members. While decisions would technically be made by majority vote, all outcomes would remain subject to the chair’s approval.

Member states would normally serve a maximum term of three years. However, countries that provide $1 billion in cash contributions within the first year would be exempt from this limit and granted permanent membership.

Critics warn that the proposal appears to be an attempt to create an alternative or rival institution to the United Nations, despite Trump’s long-standing criticism of the UN. The charter describes the board as an international organisation aimed at “maintaining stability in conflict-affected areas and ensuring reliable governance.”

The board would come into force once at least three member states ratify the charter. The authority to approve the organisation’s official seal would also rest solely with Trump.

Trump has reportedly invited several world leaders to join the board, including Argentine President Javier Milei and Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney, according to Bloomberg. However, the plan has drawn immediate criticism from Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who said Israel had not been consulted on the details of the proposal.

Several European countries have also received invitations, but sources familiar with the discussions say the draft charter suggests that the fund’s resources could fall under Trump’s personal control — a provision many governments find unacceptable.

Multiple countries are reportedly preparing a coordinated response to oppose the proposal.

The chair would hold ultimate authority over voting procedures and agenda-setting, and could remove any member unless two-thirds of member states veto such a decision. The chair would also have the power to appoint their own successor.

On Friday, the White House announced a preliminary executive panel that will begin work ahead of the formal establishment of the board. The panel includes U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff, Trump’s son-in-law Jared Kushner, and former UK Prime Minister Tony Blair.