On 18th January (local time), the Trump administration triggered a fresh international controversy after reports suggested that countries seeking permanent membership of a proposed United States-led “Board of Peace” would have to pay USD 1 billion. Trump had announced formation of the Board on 16th January in a Truth Social post. The reports came at a time when President Donald Trump personally invited Prime Minister Narendra Modi to be part of the Gaza-focused peace initiative.
According to Bloomberg News, the draft charter of the board states that Trump would serve as the inaugural chairman of the Board of Peace, which would give him sweeping powers over its composition, agenda, finances and decision making. While member states would ordinarily serve three-year terms, the charter states that countries contributing more than USD 1 billion in cash within the first year would be exempt from term limits. In other words, they would be effectively granted permanent membership.
How the Board of Peace is structured
The draft charter describes the Board of Peace as an international organisation. It is aimed at promoting stability, restoring lawful governance and securing long-term peace in conflict-affected regions. Decisions by the board would be taken based on a majority vote of member states present. However, all outcomes would remain subject to the chairman’s approval.
Furthermore, Trump would also approve the official seal of the organisation, control the meeting schedule, set the agenda and retain the power to remove members unless blocked by a two-thirds majority. The board would become operational once at least three countries sign on to the charter.
The document has raised alarm among several countries, as it resembles a personalised power structure rather than a multilateral body. There is also a possibility that it could function as an alternative to the United Nations, an institution Trump has repeatedly criticised.
Gaza peace plan and PM Modi invitation
Under the broader framework of the Board of Peace, Trump has proposed a specific “Gaza Peace Board” to oversee post-war governance and reconstruction in Gaza. Reports suggest that Trump has invited several leaders, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Argentina’s President Javier Milei and Canada’s Prime Minister Mark Carney. In his letter to PM Modi, he said it is his great honour to invite Prime Minister to join him in an effort to “solidify peace in the Middle East” and, at the same time, to “embark on a bold new approach to resolve Global Conflict”.
Notably, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has criticised the proposal though he is among 50 invited leaders. He said the plan was not coordinated with Israel. Several European countries have also said they have reservations, as there is an apparent concentration of financial and administrative control in Trump’s hands.
White House rejects $1 billion membership fee claim
As the backlash grew, the White House’s Rapid Response account on X issued a clarification suggesting that there is no “mandatory” USD 1 billion membership fee. It said the contribution of USD 1 billion is related only to permanent membership. “This simply offers permanent membership to partner countries who demonstrate deep commitment to peace, security, and prosperity,” the post said.
This is misleading. There is no minimum membership fee to join the Board of Peace.
This simply offers permanent membership to partner countries who demonstrate deep commitment to peace, security, and prosperity. https://t.co/c4bVUBfnW8
— Rapid Response 47 (@RapidResponse47) January 18, 2026
Bloomberg also cited an unnamed US official who claimed that countries could join for free, while the USD 1 billion contribution would fund Gaza’s reconstruction directly.
