Trump proposes international peace council with $1 billion fee for permanent membership, sparking UN competition concerns.
Peace Council. $1 Billion for Permanent Membership
Bloomberg obtained a draft statute for the Peace Council. It designates Donald Trump as its first chairman, granting him authority to admit other members. Decisions require majority vote, with each member holding one vote, but final approval rests with the chairman. The document states a member’s term may exceed three years and be extended by the chairman. Crucially, a $1 billion donation to the Peace Council is required for permanent membership.
Instead of UN?
The council is described as “an international organization whose purpose is to promote stability, restore reliable and lawful governance, and ensure lasting peace in areas affected by or threatened by conflict.” Critics, per Bloomberg, argue Trump aims to create a UN rival. An unnamed US official confirmed initial access to the Peace Council is free, but the $1 billion fee ensures permanent membership, with funds allocated for Gaza reconstruction.
White House: No Minimum Fee
Following reports suggesting a $1 billion fee for entry, the Trump administration clarified: “There is no minimum fee to join the Peace Council.” The White House post on X confirmed the Bloomberg report but stated the fee “simply enables permanent membership for countries demonstrating deep commitment to peace, security, and prosperity.”
Israel Pushes Back. Americans: This Is Our Show
The White House announced US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, former UK Prime Minister Tony Blair, and Trump envoy Steve Witkoff will lead the Gaza-focused Peace Council. Members also include Trump’s son-in-law Jared Kushner, businessman Marc Rowan, World Bank President Ajay Banga, and advisor Robert Gabriel. The executive board for Gaza includes Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan and Qatari diplomat Ali Al-Thawadi. Israel objects, as Netanyahu stated the US-published list was not consulted with Israeli authorities. Axios reports an anonymous US official dismissed Netanyahu: “This is our show, not his. We’ve achieved things in Gaza no one thought possible; we will continue.”
