Trump admin’s Board of Peace sets its first meeting
Image: Fabrice Coffrini
The Trump admin is reportedly planning to hold the first meeting of the Board of Peace in Washington, D.C. later this month, following the group’s official launch at the recent World Economic Forum.
What is the Board of Peace?
The multinational group was established by the Trump admin after the most recent Israel-Hamas ceasefire in October, and received authorization from the UN Security Council to oversee the ceasefire and work on Gaza’s post-war reconstruction.
- Its 27-member board includes Saudi Arabia, Egypt, the UAE, Hungary, Argentina, Pakistan, Turkey, and Qatar.
- While countries are not required to contribute financially to join, Trump says permanent members must commit at least $1 billion to fund the group’s initiatives.
- President Trump is designated as chairman for life and holds veto power over some BoP decisions.
- Trump is also the only person who can invite states to become members, revoke countries’ membership, and appoint his own successor.
Its scope has recently grown beyond Gaza. While the original idea for the Board of Peace was to focus on war-torn Gaza’s reconstruction, its official charter signed by members last month envisions a broader role for the group.
- It calls for the board to “secure enduring peace in areas affected or threatened by conflict,” not just in Gaza.
- The charter also calls to work as “a more nimble and effective international peace-building body,” signaling displeasure with the current UN-based global system.
Not everyone is on board (pun intended)
Some US allies, including many countries in Europe, have rejected invitations to join the Board of Peace, while Trump also withdrew Canada’s invitation following a recent spat with PM Mark Carney over tariffs.
- European diplomats have cited concerns with Trump’s extensive powers as leader and the Board of Peace’s broad scope.
- Some experts and critics also argue that Trump is trying to create an alternative to the UN Security Council where only he has the power to make crucial decisions.
Looking ahead…One of the primary objectives of the Board of Peace’s upcoming summit in Washington is to raise funds for Gaza’s reconstruction, according to multiple reports.
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Sprinkles from the Left
- Some commentators argue that Trump’s attempt to rival the UN, with him in charge, is likely to disappear and be quickly forgotten because few major countries are going to volunteer—and pay $1 billion—to be bossed around by Chairman Trump without input.
- Others contend that there are many indications that Trump’s new Board of Peace is a farce, including the fact that the vast majority of countries which have agreed to join are ranked near or at the bottom when it comes to the human rights of their own citizens.
- “Trump’s Board of Peace is already floundering” –Max Boot, Washington Post
- “No human rights in Trump’s Board of Peace” –Dennis Jett, Pittsburgh Post-Gazette
- “Trump’s Board of Peace Is Anything But” –Thant Myint-U, NY Times
Sprinkles from the Right
- Some commentators argue that President Trump’s new Board of Peace deserves a fair hearing—it could very well fail to rebuild Gaza, where immense challenges remain, but it should be given a chance to succeed before being dismissed as a failure.
- Others contend that while Trump likes the optics of more than two dozen world leaders and representatives joining his initiative, his desire for such a photo-op likely leads his plan to be dead on arrival, since that group includes several unfriendly nations and UN bureaucrats.
- “Give the Board of Peace a Chance” –Daniel J. Samet, Wall Street Journal
- “Trump fumbles on Gaza peace board” –Michael Rubin, Washington Examiner
- “NATO Is the Board of Peace” –WSJ Editorial Board
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