Trump Launches Board Of Peace As Allies Waver

In a dramatic unveiling at the World Economic Forum in Davos on January 22, 2026, President Donald Trump launched his ambitious "Board of Peace," a new international body that he claims will redefine the global approach to conflict resolution and post-war reconstruction. What began as a council to oversee the rebuilding of Gaza has quickly morphed into a far-reaching initiative with the stated aim of securing peace in regions affected or threatened by conflict worldwide, according to the charter draft obtained by multiple news outlets, including CNN and ABC News.

Trump, never one to shy away from spectacle, described the Board as "the greatest board ever assembled" and did not miss the opportunity to tout its potential to rival—or even replace—the United Nations. "This isn’t the United States, this is for the world," he said during his Davos speech, as reported by the Associated Press. He added, "I think we can spread it out to other things as we succeed in Gaza." The Board’s expanded vision has, however, raised eyebrows and drawn sharp criticism from several quarters, especially among traditional U.S. allies.

The Board of Peace’s founding charter, as reviewed by ABC News and CNN, states that "Donald J. Trump shall serve as inaugural Chairman of the Board of Peace," with no mention of a fixed term. This effectively allows Trump to chair the Board indefinitely, potentially well beyond his second presidential term. A U.S. official confirmed, "The Chairmanship can be held by President Trump until he resigns it," though a future president could theoretically appoint a new U.S. representative. This open-ended leadership arrangement has fueled concerns about the Board’s governance and Trump’s personal influence over its direction.

Membership in the Board is structured around a three-year term for countries that accept the invitation to join. But a hefty $1 billion cash contribution within the first year secures permanent membership, a detail that has drawn scrutiny. While a U.S. official clarified to ABC News that contributions are "voluntary" and not a prerequisite for joining, the charter’s stipulation about permanent seats has left some governments wary. The official added that "funds will sit only in approved accounts at reputable banks," with strict financial controls, multi-signatory approvals, and annual external audits to ensure transparency. Despite these assurances, critics remain skeptical about the potential for corruption and the true destination of such large sums.

The Board’s founding Executive Board brings together a mix of familiar Trump-era figures and international statesmen: Jared Kushner, Secretary of State Marco Rubio, special envoy Steve Witkoff, and former British Prime Minister Tony Blair. Kushner, speaking at the Davos ceremony, acknowledged the complexity of the task ahead, stating, "Peace is a different deal than a business deal." He emphasized that the administration’s "master plan" for redeveloping Gaza "does not have a plan B," underscoring the high stakes and lack of contingency.

Despite Trump’s boasts that "everyone wants to be a part" of the Board, the actual turnout at Davos told a different story. While Trump claimed that 59 countries had signed on, only representatives from 19 countries plus the U.S. attended the signing ceremony, with most participants hailing from the Middle East, Asia, and South America. Notably absent were Western European nations, save for Hungary—one of Russia’s closest allies in Europe. Among those that have accepted invitations are the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Qatar, Bahrain, Pakistan, Turkey, Hungary, Morocco, Kosovo, Armenia, Argentina, Paraguay, Kazakhstan, Mongolia, Uzbekistan, Indonesia, Vietnam, and Israel. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has agreed to join, even as he previously criticized the inclusion of Turkish and Qatari officials on the Gaza executive board.

On the other hand, several major Western powers have declined or withheld participation. The United Kingdom, France, Norway, Sweden, Canada, Ukraine, China, and the European Union have all expressed reservations. British Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper told the BBC, "We do also have concerns about President Putin being part of something which is talking about peace, when we have still not seen any signs from Putin that there will be a commitment to peace in Ukraine." French officials, while supporting the Gaza peace plan, worry that the Board could seek to supplant the U.N. as the main venue for conflict resolution—a concern echoed by the U.N.’s own top humanitarian official, Tom Fletcher, who insisted to CNN, "The United Nations isn’t going anywhere."

The inclusion (or potential inclusion) of controversial leaders has only added fuel to the fire. Trump confirmed that Russian President Vladimir Putin had been invited and claimed Putin had agreed to join, though the Kremlin later clarified that Russia was still "consulting with Moscow’s strategic partners." Putin has floated the idea of using Russian assets frozen in the U.S. to pay the $1 billion fee for a permanent seat, but insisted that "the use of those assets will require the U.S. action to unblock them." Belarusian leader Alexander Lukashenko, often called "Europe’s last dictator," has also signed up, while at least one leader wanted for alleged war crimes is among the invitees.

The Board of Peace’s origins lie in Trump’s 20-point Gaza ceasefire plan, which was endorsed by the U.N. Security Council in November 2025. The original mandate was to oversee the demilitarization and reconstruction of Gaza, devastated by a two-year war. Ali Shaath, head of a new technocratic government in Gaza, announced at Davos that the Rafah border crossing between Gaza and Egypt will open in both directions next week—a move that could ease the humanitarian crisis for Gaza’s more than 2 million residents. Yet, violence persists, and the continued disarmament of Hamas remains a sticking point. Trump reiterated his stance, warning that the group "will have to do so or face dire consequences." He expressed optimism that the "war in Gaza is really coming to an end," but conceded, "We have little fires that we’ll put out. But they’re little," a marked contrast to the "giant, giant, massive fires" of the past.

Trump’s push for the Board of Peace also comes against the backdrop of heightened tensions with Iran. Earlier this month, he threatened military action against Tehran following a violent crackdown on protests that left thousands dead. Trump later signaled restraint after receiving assurances that planned mass executions would not proceed. He argued that his "tough approach to Tehran"—including strikes on Iran’s nuclear facilities in June 2025—was instrumental in bringing about the Israel-Hamas ceasefire.

The Board’s ambitions reach beyond Gaza. The charter describes it as an "international organization" promoting stability, peace, and governance in conflict-affected areas. Trump has not been shy about suggesting that the Board "might" replace the United Nations, a prospect that has alarmed diplomats and world leaders alike. The charter references "institutions that have too often failed," a thinly veiled critique of the U.N., which Trump has long disparaged.

As for the future, the U.S. is expected to announce its official list of Board members in the coming days. Trump’s special envoy Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner are headed to Moscow for further talks, including discussions on a possible peace deal with Ukraine. Trump also met privately with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in Davos, describing the meeting as "very good" but producing no major breakthroughs.

Whether the Board of Peace will fulfill its lofty promises or become another flashpoint in the ongoing debate over global governance remains to be seen. For now, the world watches as Trump’s latest venture tests the boundaries of international diplomacy and the enduring influence of established institutions.