The Trump administration has proposed that countries pay as much as $1 billion to secure permanent membership on the "Peace Board," a new mechanism Trump is pushing to manage international conflicts.
The document states that the White House has invited leaders from several countries to join the Peace Board, or Peace Committee, which Trump will personally chair. The list includes Russian President Vladimir Putin, Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban, and Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney.
According to the draft charter, Peace Board member countries, which must be represented by their heads of state, have a term limit of up to three years from the date the charter takes effect, with the possibility of renewal at the board chairman's discretion.
However, this rule does not apply to countries that pay over $1 billion, or more than 31.5 billion baht, within the first year of the board's establishment, effectively allowing those who make large payments to maintain membership for longer periods.
The Peace Board was initially proposed to oversee Gaza's reconstruction after the war, but the charter does not limit its role to Palestinian territories. It states the board's goal is to promote stability, restore legitimate governance, and build sustainable peace in areas affected by or at risk of conflict.
The White House specifies that the organization’s structure will include the main board, a Palestinian committee composed of technocrats to manage Gaza, and an executive committee serving an advisory role.
However, key allies such as France and Canada have reacted cautiously. French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot stated that France cannot join at this stage because the board's charter has a broader scope than Gaza’s reconstruction under the UN framework and conflicts with France's international obligations, particularly the permanent membership status on the UN Security Council (UNSC).
A Canadian government source said Ottawa will not pay to join the board and has not received any payment requests, despite Prime Minister Mark Carney signaling acceptance of the invitation to participate.
Professor Paul Williams of George Washington University views the $1 billion permanent membership sale as reflecting Trump’s attempt to create a paid alternative to the UN Security Council, but one where Trump alone holds veto power.
The charter also references the United Nations, stating that the Peace Board should have the courage to move beyond approaches and institutions that have repeatedly failed. This aligns with Trump’s long-standing criticism of the UN and his recent announcement to withdraw the US from the organization and 66 international treaties, over half related to the UN.
The United Nations responded immediately, with a spokesperson for the UN General Assembly president stating that there is only one international multilateral organization responsible for global peace and security, and that is the United Nations.
Analysts from the International Crisis Group note that at least 60 countries have been invited to join the Peace Board. Some may see it as an opportunity to build closer ties with Trump, while many others may view it as a power grab on the world stage.
According to the draft charter, as board chairman, Trump will have the authority to expel member countries unless opposed by a two-thirds majority of all members. He also has the right to select his successor if he leaves office.
Analysts from the German Marshall Fund suggest that only a few countries are likely to join this initiative, especially while many still strive to uphold the existing multilateral system.
Click to read news related toTrump