Donald Trump launches global ‘Board of Peace’, praises attendees, warns absentees
World leaders who accepted the invitation of U.S. President Donald Trump to join his newly created Board of Peace were welcomed in Washington with ceremony, praise and personal flattery, as the former president signalled his ambition to position the forum as a new global conflict-resolution platform.
At the inaugural meeting in the U.S. capital, Trump adopted a warm, convivial tone, publicly complimenting leaders in attendance and avoiding criticism of their domestic records. However, he issued a clear warning to those who declined to participate, saying: “You can’t play cute with me,” in remarks that underscored his trademark mix of charm and pressure politics.
The Board of Peace, established in September with an initial focus on Gaza reconstruction, is intended by Trump to evolve into a broader international conflict-resolution body. Some key U.S. allies have declined to join the initiative, while critics argue the platform risks duplicating or undermining the work of the United Nations.
Music set an unconventional tone for the gathering, as James Brown’s “It’s a Man’s Man’s Man’s World” played during the group photo session. Although Gaza remains the board’s first priority, Trump delayed discussion of the Middle East conflict, instead spending much of his opening speech praising leaders on stage and making personal remarks about their appearance, influence and status.
Among those in attendance were leaders from Asia, the Middle East, Europe and Latin America, alongside international figures such as FIFA President Gianni Infantino. Trump also recounted stories of how he claimed to have used economic pressure, including tariff threats, to influence diplomatic outcomes between rival states — assertions that some countries, including India, have publicly rejected.
In a bold comparison, Trump suggested the new board could rival the influence of the United Nations, saying it would “almost be looking over” the global body. He also revealed that the event venue, the U.S. Institute of Peace, had been renamed in his honour — a move he said was suggested by Secretary of State Marco Rubio as a surprise gesture.
Throughout the speech, Trump repeatedly described the venue, the initiative and his administration’s efforts as “beautiful,” using the word more than a dozen times, while sharing personal anecdotes involving First Lady Melania Trump.
With the launch of the Board of Peace, Trump is seeking to project renewed influence on the global stage, positioning himself once again as a central figure in international diplomacy — while making clear that participation in his initiative comes with expectations, and consequences for those who stay away.
