$1 Billion in Cash Buys a Permanent Seat on Trump’s ‘Board of Peace’ - The New York Times

Donald Trump has established a "Board of Peace" aimed at overseeing a ceasefire in Gaza and potentially broader governance and reconstruction efforts in the region. The board was initially conceived to facilitate the rebuilding of Gaza, although its charter does not explicitly mention the Palestinian enclave, suggesting a wider mandate. Membership on this board comes at a cost of $1 billion, which secures a permanent seat for contributing nations. Countries such as India have received invitations to join this board, while Canada has indicated interest but is not willing to pay the $1 billion fee for a permanent seat. The Kremlin has confirmed that Vladimir Putin has also been invited to join Trump's "Board of Peace." Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov stated that Russia is seeking to clarify the details of the offer with Washington before making a decision. The board's formation has drawn mixed reactions from world leaders, with some expressing caution regarding Trump's broader intentions, particularly in relation to the United Nations. The initiative has been met with skepticism, especially given the ongoing conflict in Ukraine and Trump's perceived favoritism towards Putin. As nations consider their involvement, the implications of this board on international relations and peace efforts remain to be seen.