### Trump Proposes $1 Billion Membership Fee for New 'Board of Peace' Amid Controversy - On January 18, 2026, President Donald Trump announced the formation of a new organization called the "Board of Peace," which aims to address issues related to Gaza and potentially expand its focus globally. This initiative has raised concerns among critics who view it as an attempt to supplant the United Nations [https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-15474341/donald-trump-board-peace-gaza-billion.html]. - The proposed membership fee for nations wishing to secure a permanent seat on this board is set at a staggering $1 billion, as outlined in a draft charter that has circulated among diplomats and governments [https://www.mediaite.com/media/news/trumps-reported-price-tag-for-nations-to-stay-on-his-gaza-board-of-peace-1-billion]. - Trump is expected to serve as the inaugural chairman of this board, which would grant him significant control over its operations and financial decisions [https://www.deccanherald.com/world/trump-wants-nations-to-pay-usd-1-billion-to-stay-on-his-peace-board-report-3866113]. ### Structure of the Proposal and Its Implications 1. **Membership Fee**: Nations must pay $1 billion to secure a permanent seat on the Board of Peace, with a three-year term limit for membership [https://www.khaleejtimes.com/world/americas/trump-wants-nations-pay-1-billion-peace-board-report-says]. 2. **Leadership**: Trump will act as the inaugural chairman, which raises questions about the concentration of power and decision-making authority within the board [https://www.freemalaysiatoday.com/category/world/2026/01/18/trump-wants-nations-to-pay-us1bil-to-stay-on-his-peace-board]. 3. **Global Reach**: While the initial focus is on Gaza, the board is expected to have broader international ambitions, potentially affecting global diplomatic relations [https://www.indiatoday.in/world/story/trump-board-of-peace-1-billion-dollar-price-tag-for-permanent-membership-report-2853820-2026-01-18]. ### Supporting Evidence and Data - **Financial Requirement**: The $1 billion fee is a significant barrier for many nations, which could limit participation to wealthier countries or those with strategic interests in aligning with the U.S. [https://www.devdiscourse.com/article/law-order/3773646-trumps-plan-nations-must-pay-1-billion-for-peace-board-seat]. - **Control Dynamics**: The draft charter indicates that Trump will have the authority to decide on membership and financial allocations, raising concerns about accountability and governance [https://theasialive.com/trumps-planned-board-of-peace-would-require-1-billion-contributions-give-president-sweeping-control-over-membership-and-decisions/2026/01/18]. - **Criticism**: Critics argue that this initiative could undermine existing international frameworks like the UN and exacerbate geopolitical tensions [https://www.devdiscourse.com/article/law-order/3773658-trumps-1-billion-peace-board-proposal-sparks-controversy]. ### Conclusion: An Ambitious Yet Controversial Initiative - **Major Findings**: Trump's proposed Board of Peace, with its $1 billion membership fee, represents a bold attempt to reshape international diplomacy, particularly concerning Gaza. However, it raises significant questions about governance, equity, and the future of multilateral cooperation. - **Key Points**: 1. The $1 billion fee could limit participation to a select group of nations, potentially skewing the board's representation [https://www.rt.com/news/631096-trump-board-of-peace-seats]. 2. Trump's leadership role may centralize power in a way that challenges traditional diplomatic norms [https://www.anews.com.tr/world/2026/01/18/trump-wants-nations-to-pay-1-billion-to-stay-on-his-peace-board-report]. 3. The initiative's focus on Gaza could have broader implications for U.S. foreign policy and international relations [https://dnyuz.com/2026/01/17/trump-wants-nations-to-pay-1-billion-to-stay-on-his-peace-board].