Trump creates "his own UN": countries must pay US$1bn to join his "Peace Board" – Bloomberg

US President Donald Trump's administration has issued an ultimatum to countries seeking permanent membership in his new Board of Peace, requiring a cash contribution of at least US$1 billion.

Source: Bloomberg, citing a draft charter for the proposed group and diplomatic sources

Details: The draft charter obtained by Bloomberg outlines a structure that effectively grants unlimited power to the chair, a position to be held by Trump himself.

The document describes a mechanism resembling the "purchase" of influence: standard membership in the Board of Peace is limited to three years and depends on the will of the chairman. This restriction is lifted for states that contribute more than US$1 billion in cash to the fund within the first year.

"Decisions would be taken by a majority, with each member state present getting one vote, but all would be subject to the chairman's approval," Bloomberg says.

Critics of the initiative are concerned that Trump is attempting to create an alternative or rival to the United Nations, which he has long criticised.

The draft charter grants Trump powers that are atypical for democratic international institutions. In particular, he would single-handedly decide whom to invite to the organisation, approve the agenda and even retain the right to appoint his own successor as chairman. Trump also reserves the right to expel members from the organisation, with such a decision requiring a two-thirds veto by member states to be overturned.

In addition, the wording of the charter suggests that Trump plans to personally control all of the organisation's funds, as well as unilaterally approve the official seal and convene meetings whenever he "deems appropriate".

Diplomats from several European countries who reviewed the proposal described the condition as absolutely unacceptable. Bloomberg sources, speaking on condition of anonymity, said that a number of states "strongly oppose" the current version of the charter and are already coordinating efforts to collectively push back against the proposals.

Quote: "The board is described in the charter as 'an international organisation that seeks to promote stability, restore dependable and lawful governance, and secure enduring peace in areas affected or threatened by conflict'. It would become official once three member states agree to the charter."

Background:

• Earlier, Trump announced the creation of a Gaza Board of Peace, inviting Argentinian President Javier Milei and Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney.
• The announcement sparked sharp criticism from Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who said that details of a plan affecting his country's security had not been coordinated with Jerusalem.
• On Friday, the White House presented the composition of "a founding Executive Board", consisting exclusively of figures loyal to Trump: his Middle East adviser Steve Witkoff, his son-in-law Jared Kushner, Secretary of State Marco Rubio and former UK prime minister Tony Blair.

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