The high-profile launch at Davos follows Trump’s decision to scrap threatened tariffs on Europe and rule out military action in Greenland, which has eased a diplomatic crisis that had overshadowed the summit.
Trump promotes the new board as a premier conflict-resolution body, requiring a $1 billion fee for permanent membership—
Despite skepticism from allies like France and Britain, who fear it may undermine the UN, the administration claims some 35 leaders have committed to joining, including representatives from Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Israel, and Hungary.
“I think it’s the greatest board ever formed,” Trump told Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi on Wednesday.
Read more: US unveils phase 2 of Trump’s Gaza peace plan
The initiative coincides with critical discussions on the war in Ukraine. Trump, who insists he can quickly resolve the conflict, will meet Zelensky following the board meeting.
However, the potential inclusion of Russian President Vladimir Putin has alarmed Western allies, particularly Kyiv.
On the prospect of a ceasefire, Trump remarked, “I believe they’re at a point now where they can come together… and if they don’t, they’re stupid.”
Meanwhile, trade tensions subsided late Wednesday after Trump met NATO chief Mark Rutte, agreeing to a framework that waives tariffs originally set for February 1.
As diplomatic efforts continue, US envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner are traveling to Moscow on Thursday for direct talks with Putin.
