Proposed Board of Peace names Trump chairman and vests him with broad powers

The United States has circulated a draft charter for a new “Board of Peace” that names Donald J. Trump as “inaugural chairman” and would give him powers to veto decisions, approve the agenda, invite members, dissolve the board and designate his successor, according to the charter seen by The New York Times.

Israel, Saudi Arabia, Hungary and several other countries have said they would join, while France, Norway and Sweden have declined. The U.N. Security Council earlier endorsed creation of a Board of Peace in November as a “transitional administration” through 2027 to oversee redevelopment in Gaza, but the U.S.

rollout portrays the board’s mission as extending beyond Gaza. Supporters and U.S. officials have described the board as a broad, leader-driven effort; Steve Witkoff, named to the group’s executive board, said more than 20 countries had agreed to join and listed conflict zones such as Russia, Ukraine, Iran, Sudan and Syria as areas needing “bridging relationships.” Critics warned the initiative could undercut the United Nations.

Marc Weller called it “a direct assault on the United Nations,” and the French foreign minister said France would say “no to creating an organization as it has been presented, which would replace the United Nations,” according to The Associated Press. A signing ceremony was planned for Thursday in Switzerland.

Key Topics

Politics, Donald Trump, United Nations, Un Security Council, Israel, Hungary