Trump’s "Board of Peace": A Bold Gamble for Gaza and Beyond

In late 2025, U.S. President Donald Trump unveiled the "Board of Peace," a high-profile council designed to oversee the post-war reconstruction of the Gaza Strip and maintain a fragile ceasefire. Endorsed by the UN Security Council through 2027, the Board has quickly sparked global debate—not just for its mission, but for its ambition to evolve into a permanent, U.S.-led alternative to the United Nations.

The Putin Invitation & The Autocrat Controversy

In a move that stunned diplomatic circles, Trump extended an invitation to Russian President Vladimir Putin. The Kremlin confirmed the offer on January 19, 2026, stating they are "studying the details" before responding.

If Putin accepts, it would signal a rare moment of U.S.-Russia cooperation amidst the ongoing war in Ukraine. However, critics argue that inviting Putin—along with other controversial figures like Belarus’s Aleksandr Lukashenko—undermines the moral authority of a peace initiative. The Trump administration counters that broad participation, even from adversaries, is essential for a globally influential panel.

The $1 Billion "Pay-to-Play" Ticket

Perhaps the most contentious aspect of the Board is its membership structure. A draft charter reveals that countries seeking a permanent seat must contribute at least $1 billion.

• The Pitch: The White House claims these funds will go directly to Gaza’s reconstruction, ensuring members have "skin in the game."

• The Backlash: Critics call it a "pay-to-play" scheme that monetizes peace. European officials have bristled at the fee, fearing it prioritizes wealth over diplomatic merit, while smaller nations like Paraguay have expressed desire to join but cited inability to pay.

Global Roll Call: Who’s In and Who’s Out?

Trump has invited nearly 60 world leaders, resulting in a fractured global response:

• The Enthusiastic: Hungary’s Viktor Orbán and Argentina’s Javier Milei accepted immediately, praising the initiative. Kazakhstan, Albania, and Vietnam have also signed on.

• The Hesitant: Canada’s Mark Carney agreed "in principle" but demanded clarity on the $1 billion fee and fund oversight. The UK and other traditional allies are similarly wary of the lack of transparency.

• The Skeptical: France signaled a likely refusal, warning that the Board risks undermining the UN’s authority. Poland reacted coolly, with PM Donald Tusk stating his country "won't be played."
  
  

Israel’s Ire

Crucially, Israel—the primary stakeholder in Gaza—is unhappy. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office complained that the Board’s creation was "not coordinated with Israel." Israeli officials are alarmed by the prospect of an external committee managing Gaza’s security and governance, fearing it could empower hostile actors or limit Israel’s operational freedom.

Outlook: A Rival to the UN?

The Board of Peace represents a novel experiment: a blend of donor conference and security council, driven by Trump’s transactional diplomacy. While its backers see it as a necessary shake-up of the status quo, its detractors view it as a vanity project that threatens established international norms.

All eyes are now on the upcoming World Economic Forum in Davos, where Trump is expected to formally launch the Board. Whether it becomes a breakthrough for Middle East peace or a diplomatic quagmire depends on who ultimately shows up—and whether the $1 billion price tag is here to stay.