The administration of U.S. President Donald Trump is proposing a staggering financial threshold for nations seeking a lasting role in a new international body, according to a draft charter obtained by Bloomberg News. The plan calls for countries to contribute at least $1 billion to secure a permanent membership on a proposed global Board of Peace.
A Chairman with Broad Powers
The draft document reveals that President Trump would serve as the inaugural chairman of the organization, granting him significant authority. The chairman would have the sole power to decide which countries are invited to join. While decisions would nominally be made by a majority vote of present member states, all outcomes would be subject to the chairman's final approval.
According to the text, standard membership would be limited to a three-year term, subject to renewal by the chairman. However, this limit would be waived for any member state that contributes more than $1 billion in cash funds to the board within its first year of operation, effectively granting them permanent status.
Concerns Over a UN Rival and Financial Control
The proposal has quickly drawn criticism from observers who fear it represents an attempt to construct an alternative or rival to the United Nations, an institution Trump has frequently criticized. The board is described in the charter as an organization aiming to promote stability and secure peace in conflict zones.
Several European nations have reportedly been invited to join, but the draft's implications are causing unease. People familiar with the discussions, who spoke anonymously, indicated that the charter appears to suggest Trump himself would control the funds, a condition considered unacceptable to many potential member states. Several nations are said to be preparing a collective pushback against the proposals.
Gaza Focus and International Reactions
A specific initial project under this broader board would be a Board of Peace for Gaza. Trump has extended invitations to several world leaders to be founding members of this Gaza-focused initiative, including Argentina's President Javier Milei and Canada's former central banker Mark Carney.
The Gaza plan has already met with public criticism from Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who stated the details were not coordinated with his country. A U.S. official, speaking on condition of anonymity, confirmed the $1 billion-for-permanence structure to Bloomberg. The official stated that funds raised would be used directly to rebuild Gaza and that the board would ensure nearly every dollar is spent on its mandate.
The board would be formally established once three member states agree to the charter. The draft also notes that the chairman would be responsible for approving the organization's official seal.
