Trump could potentially chair Board of Peace for life; $1 billion contributions are voluntary: US official
Many questions are swirling around the President Donald Trump-led Board of Peace, which was originally billed as a committee that would oversee the rebuilding and reconstruction of Gaza, but now appears to have wider intentions.
Critics and government leaders are decrying the board, saying it undermines the United Nations.
The proposed charter said the Board of Peace would “secure enduring peace in areas affected or threatened by conflict,” not just Gaza, according to the charter draft. It also called for “a more nimble and effective international peace-building body.”
Chairman for life?
Trump, who is expected to chair the board, can potentially hold the position for life, which raises questions about his all-powerful role on the board when a new administration enters office in 2029.
"The Chairmanship can be held by President Trump until he resigns it," a U.S. official said. "A future U.S. president, however, may choose to appoint or designate the United States’ representative to the Board."
According to the charter draft, the draft states, "Donald J. Trump shall serve as inaugural Chairman of the Board of Peace," but there was no reference to the office of the presidency or to any sort of fixed term length mentioned in the draft.
ABC News has reached out to the State Department and the White House to clarify how long Trump intends to chair the board.
The charter draft states that nations that accept the invitation will be given a three-year membership term, but permanent membership would be given to member states that contribute more than $1 billion in cash to the Board of Peace within the first year.
The U.S. official said that contributions to the board are "voluntary" and should not be considered as an entry fee to join.
Countries that make significant contributions to projects and want to have proper oversight can stay involved, the official described.
The official said membership to join the board will not require any mandatory funding obligations.
The U.S. official didn't clarify if the $1 billion cash contribution would grant permanent membership to those who do choose to pay up.
Where does the money go?
If member states choose to contribute money, the Board of Peace will "implement the highest financial controls and oversight mechanisms," the official said.
"Funds will sit only in approved accounts at reputable banks (with CFO due diligence; Executive Board approval), and payments will require the right multi-signatory approval threshold, KYC/AML and sanctions screening, and supporting documentation. Oversight is enforced through an Audit & Risk subcommittee and an independent annual external audit with published financials," the official added.
Several countries have said they received invitations to join the board in recent days, including Argentina, Belarus, Canada, Australia, Egypt, Hungary, Pakistan, Jordan, Turkey, Israel and India -- though the countries' respective leaders largely appear reluctant to make public statements of explicit endorsement.
The U.S. is expected to announce its official list of members in the coming days.
