Trump’s Board of Peace: Aims, Challenges, and Early Pledges for Gaza
President Donald Trump convened the inaugural meeting of his Board of Peace on February 19, 2026, in Washington, D.C., outlining plans for Gaza’s reconstruction and announcing initial funding pledges. The initiative, presented as a means to address global conflicts, faces skepticism from U.S. Allies and questions regarding its legitimacy and potential impact.
The Board of Peace: A Latest Approach to Conflict Resolution
Trump first announced the Board of Peace at the World Economic Forum in Davos last month, framing it as Phase Two of his U.N.-endorsed 20-point peace plan for Gaza. The board aims to “promote stability, restore lawful governance, and secure enduring peace in areas affected or threatened by conflict,” potentially extending beyond the immediate Gaza crisis to challenge institutions like the United Nations, which the Trump administration views as ideologically biased and bureaucratic AP News.
Initial Pledges and U.S. Commitment
During the meeting, President Trump announced that nine members of the Board of Peace have pledged $7 billion toward a Gaza relief package PBS. The United States has committed an additional $10 billion to the Board of Peace, though it remains unclear whether this funding has received congressional approval Time.
Concerns and Skepticism from Allies
Several close U.S. Allies have expressed hesitation or refused to participate in the Board of Peace, citing concerns that it could sideline the United Nations. Reports suggest that permanent membership may be granted to countries contributing $1 billion in cash within the first year, raising fears that authoritarian governments could gain undue influence Time. The United Kingdom sent observers to the meeting, despite not joining the board NPR.
Key Attendees and Representation
The meeting included President Trump, Vice President J.D. Vance, Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Jared Kushner, Special Envoy Steve Witkoff, and representatives from participating countries such as Argentina, Hungary, India, Pakistan, and Vietnam NPR. Notably, there was no Palestinian representation on the board NPR. FIFA President Gianni Infantino also attended AP News.
Trump’s Criticism of Non-Participating Allies
President Trump openly criticized major U.S. Allies who have not yet joined the Board of Peace, accusing them of “playing cute” AP News.
The Board of Peace represents a bold, yet controversial, attempt to reshape the landscape of international conflict resolution. Its success will depend on securing broader support from allies and demonstrating a tangible impact on the ground in Gaza.