The Trump administration is reportedly asking countries seeking a permanent seat on President Donald Trump’s proposed “Board of Peace” to contribute at least $1 billion, Bloomberg reported Saturday, citing a draft charter it obtained.
The White House Rapid Response account on X disputed that framing, calling Bloomberg’s report “misleading” and saying the proposal “offers permanent membership to partner countries who demonstrate deep commitment to peace, security, and prosperity.”
Why It Matters
The proposal is drawing scrutiny from critics and some leaders who worry the Board of Peace could function as an alternative—or rival—to the United Nations (U.N.), an institution Trump has repeatedly criticized. The reported membership structure also raises broader questions about how financial contributions could shape diplomatic influence and international governance.
The Board’s intended role in Gaza comes amid ongoing bloodshed despite a fragile ceasefire that took effect in October. About 1,200 people were killed and 251 abducted in Hamas’ October 7, 2023, attack on southern Israel, according to Israeli authorities. Gaza’s health ministry says more than 71,000 people have been killed in the territory since Israel began its military campaign—figures that do not distinguish between civilians and combatants.
Since the ceasefire began, Gaza’s health ministry has reported more than 450 people killed in Israeli strikes, while the Israeli military says three of its soldiers have been killed in attacks by Palestinian armed groups.
What To Know
According to Bloomberg, the draft charter describes the Board of Peace as “an international organization that seeks to promote stability, restore dependable and lawful governance, and secure enduring peace in areas affected or threatened by conflict.” The organization would reportedly become official once three member states agree to the charter.
On Friday, the White House announced an executive panel for the Board of Peace to supervise temporary governance in Gaza. The panel includes U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, special envoy Steve Witkoff, former British Prime Minister Tony Blair, and Trump’s son-in-law Jared Kushner, with Trump serving as chair. The board also includes private equity executive and billionaire Marc Rowan, World Bank President Ajay Banga, Trump adviser Robert Gabriel, and former U.N. Middle East envoy Nickolay Mladenov as high representative for Gaza.
Bloomberg’s report says the draft charter would give the chairman sweeping authority over membership and decisions. While decisions would be taken by majority vote—with each member state present receiving one vote—they would still require the chairman’s approval. The chairman would also approve the organization’s official seal.
Under the draft provisions cited by Bloomberg, member states would serve three-year terms that could be renewed by the chairman. However, that term limit would not apply to countries that contribute more than $1 billion in cash funds within the first year after the charter enters into force.
The draft also reportedly states that “the Chairman shall at all times designate a successor for the role of Chairman,” and would allow the chairman to remove a member unless two-thirds of member states veto the removal.
Bloomberg reported that some people familiar with the matter believe the draft suggests Trump would control the money—an arrangement they consider a nonstarter for many potential member countries.
Israel and Hamas signed off in October on Trump’s plan, which calls for a Palestinian technocratic body overseen by the international Board of Peace to supervise Gaza’s governance during a transitional period. A U.N. Security Council resolution adopted in mid-November authorized the Board of Peace and partner countries to establish an International Stabilization Force in Gaza, commanded by Major General Jasper Jeffers, a former U.S. special operations commander.
What Happens Next
Bloomberg reported that Trump has invited several leaders—including Argentina’s President Javier Milei and Canada’s Prime Minister Mark Carney—to join a Board of Peace for Gaza. The report said the outreach drew criticism from Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who said details had not been coordinated with Israel.
The proposal’s path forward depends on whether at least three countries agree to the charter and whether prospective members accept the governance structure and any financial expectations described in the draft.
