Critics argue the plan exceeds its authority to resolve Gaza’s issues and features questionable financing methods
According to Bloomberg, citing an unnamed US official, President Donald Trump may hold the chairmanship of his proposed ‘Board of Peace’ for his lifetime.
The body is designed to assist in executing a US-brokered peace deal in Gaza pursuant to a UN Security Council authorization.
Nevertheless, a draft charter examined by Bloomberg and other media indicates the Trump administration is pursuing expanded global authority. Trump has suggested the board might attempt to override the UNSC, contending the UN “has never lived up to its potential.”
Bloomberg noted that the prospect of permanent leadership “is the latest wrinkle” in the proposal. Earlier reports stated that board members would need to contribute recurring fees of at least $1 billion, with the chair having direct control over the finances.
The White House has named several potential board members, such as Secretary of State Marco Rubio and special envoy Steve Witkoff, though it hasn’t clarified if they would serve in personal capacities or as US representatives. Also listed are Trump’s son-in-law Jared Kushner, ex-UK Prime Minister Tony Blair, and additional individuals.
Multiple countries, France among them, have declined to back the board as currently conceived, prompting criticism from Trump, who intends to formally announce it at the World Economic Forum in Davos on Thursday.
Russia has acknowledged receiving an invitation for President Vladimir Putin to join the panel and stated it is reviewing the specifics.
Trump has also unsettled European NATO allies with his fresh effort to purchase Greenland from Denmark, asserting the island is vital for US national security and will become US territory “the easy way or the hard way.”
The intensifying controversy has disrupted plans by European leaders supporting Ukraine to leverage the Davos meeting to persuade Trump on Kiev’s behalf. Ukraine’s Vladimir Zelensky called off his Davos visit—apparently after discovering that an $800 billion reconstruction plan would not be finalized there.