US President Donald Trump’s latest international initiative has raised eyebrows after he proposed a $1 billion fee for permanent membership on his newly formed “Board of Peace,” designed to oversee conflict resolution efforts. The board, which Trump chairs personally, has reportedly extended invitations to world leaders including Russian President Vladimir Putin, Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban, and Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney.
According to the board’s charter, member countries would serve a standard three-year term, but those willing to pay over $1 billion within the first year could secure indefinite membership. France and Canada were quick to signal skepticism. A French source close to President Emmanuel Macron said Paris “does not intend to answer favorably,” citing concerns over UN principles and the board’s unclear mandate. A Canadian official similarly clarified that Ottawa will not pay for a seat, despite Carney’s prior openness to joining.
Experts describe the move as a “pay-to-play” approach to global diplomacy. Paul Williams, an international affairs professor at George Washington University, said the proposal effectively positions Trump as the sole arbiter of board decisions, a stark contrast to the multilateral framework of the UN Security Council. The charter allows Trump to renew or remove members at his discretion, further consolidating control.
The board’s stated mission is to “promote stability, restore governance, and secure lasting peace in conflict-affected regions,” with a particular focus on Gaza. Yet the charter also emphasizes departing from “approaches and institutions that have too often failed,” signaling a direct critique of established international organizations.
At least 60 countries, including other permanent Security Council members, have reportedly been invited to join. Daniel Forti of the International Crisis Group noted that while some nations may see participation as a chance to increase influence, others view it as a power grab. Ian Lesser of the German Marshall Fund echoed this sentiment, suggesting most countries are unlikely to endorse an initiative that challenges existing multilateral structures.
The board’s early roster includes Egypt, Turkey, Argentina, and Canada among invited nations, alongside prominent figures such as Secretary of State Marco Rubio, former British Prime Minister Tony Blair, senior negotiator Steve Witkoff, and Trump’s son-in-law Jared Kushner. With the $1 billion fee and sweeping authority, the “Board of Peace” is poised to test global tolerance for unorthodox diplomacy.
