Trump proposes "Board of Peace" as UN rival with $1 billion membership fee

President Trump sent letters to leaders from approximately 60 countries on Jan. 17, 2026, inviting them to join a 'Board of Peace' chaired by the United States. The draft charter positions Trump as inaugural chairman with power to approve all decisions and choose his successor.

Countries can secure permanent membership by contributing $1 billion in cash funds within the first year of the charter's entry into force. Members who don't contribute receive three-year terms subject to renewal by the chairman.

The founding executive board includes Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Jared Kushner, Tony Blair, Steve Witkoff, Marc Rowan, Ajay Banga, Robert Gabriel, and Nickolay Mladenov as High Representative for Gaza. Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney accepted an invitation to join the broader board.

The board was initially created to oversee Gaza's reconstruction following UN Security Council Resolution 2803 in Nov. 2025. However, the draft charter makes no mention of Gaza and describes a global mission to tackle conflicts worldwide.

The White House clarified on Jan. 17, 2026, that there's no minimum membership fee to join, but the $1 billion payment secures permanent membership instead of three-year terms. All funds raised are intended for rebuilding Gaza and potentially other conflict zones.

Countries invited include Australia, Canada, Egypt, Turkey, Saudi Arabia, Argentina, and several European nations. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen was invited to represent the European Union.

The draft charter states the board's purpose is 'departing from institutions that too often failed' in achieving peace. Critics view this language as positioning the board as a rival to the United Nations.

Israeli officials reportedly objected to the executive board lineup, though specific objections weren't disclosed. The board includes no Palestinian representative despite Gaza being its first focus.