The Trump administration is facing fresh scrutiny after a report claimed that countries would need to pay $1 billion to secure a seat on a proposed US-led “peace board,” with President Donald Trump positioned as its inaugural chairman.
Bloomberg News reported on Saturday, citing a draft charter, that nations would be required to pay the hefty sum to remain members of the board. According to the report, Trump would serve as chairman, while each member state would hold office for no more than three years from the charter’s entry into force, subject to renewal at the chairman’s discretion.
White House Disputes $1 Billion Claim
The White House swiftly rejected the report, calling it “misleading” and insisting there is no minimum membership fee to join what it described as the “Board of Peace.”
“This simply offers permanent membership to partner countries who demonstrate deep commitment to peace, security, and prosperity,” the White House said in a post on X.
When asked by Reuters, the US State Department declined to confirm any financial requirements, instead referring to earlier social media posts by Trump and his special envoy, Steve Witkoff. Those posts outlined the idea of the board but did not mention any monetary figure.
India Invited Amid Gaza Strategy Push
Amid the controversy, the United States has formally invited India to join a proposed “Gaza Peace Board,” even as New Delhi and Washington continue negotiations over a tariff deal. Trump has extended the invitation directly to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, presenting the initiative as a cornerstone of his vision for post-war governance and redevelopment in Gaza.
The proposal is designed to oversee how Gaza would be administered after the conflict and how reconstruction efforts would be managed and monitored. The move signals Washington’s intention to involve key international partners in a structured framework aimed at shaping Gaza’s future.
According to earlier White House statements, Trump would chair the board. Reports suggest the plan includes a technocratic Palestinian committee responsible for day-to-day governance in Gaza, alongside a second executive board with a broader advisory role.
