President Donald Trump has unveiled a bold plan to charge nations $1 billion for a permanent seat on a new international "Board of Peace," a body he would personally chair to address global conflicts.
The White House revealed this initiative on Monday, with a draft charter outlining the board's structure, including invitations to leaders like Russian President Vladimir Putin, Hungarian Premier Viktor Orban, and Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney, while defining terms for membership and payment conditions.
The proposal has ignited discussion among policy circles, with many questioning whether peace can be brokered through a pay-to-play model.
As reported by Newsmax, nations contributing over $1 billion within the first year secure a spot beyond the standard three-year term. This financial barrier raises eyebrows about accessibility for smaller or less wealthy states.
"The Board of Peace is 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 charter declares. A noble aim, yet the hefty price tag suggests peace might come with a velvet rope.
Originally envisioned to oversee Gaza's rebuilding, the board's scope now appears unbound by geography, hinting at a broader ambition to reshape conflict resolution.
Trump holds significant authority under this setup, able to invite or remove member states, though a two-thirds veto can block expulsions. He also selects his successor if stepping down, consolidating control over the board's direction.
Membership is by invitation only, with the charter stating, "limited to States invited to participate by the Chairman." This exclusivity could sideline nations outside Trump's favor, potentially skewing the board's balance.
Critics point to the charter's jab at bodies like the United Nations, noting its call for "the courage to depart from approaches and institutions that have too often failed." Such language signals a desire to upend traditional diplomacy, for better or worse.
The board's structure includes a Palestinian committee for Gaza governance and an executive board with advisory functions, but the lineup for the Gaza-focused group has already sparked friction. Israel has voiced objections to figures like Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan and Qatari diplomat Ali Al-Thawadi serving on this panel.
Meanwhile, Trump's picks for key roles include Secretary of State Marco Rubio, former British Prime Minister Tony Blair, negotiator Steve Witkoff, and son-in-law Jared Kushner. This mix of insiders and international faces suggests a blend of loyalty and global reach, though not without controversy.
On Saturday, leaders from Egypt, Turkey, Argentina, and Canada received invitations to join, marking the first wave of potential members in this untested venture.
Trump's broader disdain for multilateral frameworks is no secret, as evidenced by his recent move to withdraw the U.S. from 66 global organizations and treaties, many tied to the UN. This board seems poised as an alternative, yet its fee-based model risks alienating allies who can't or won't pay.
There's a whiff of pragmatism in building a coalition of the willing and well-funded, but peace isn't a country club. Locking out dissenting or poorer voices could breed resentment rather than resolution.
Ultimately, this "Board of Peace" stands as a daring experiment, one that might redefine global cooperation or stumble under the weight of its own audacity. Time will tell if a billion dollars can buy harmony or merely a seat at a very expensive table.