Trump Mixes Gaza Peace Push With Joke at Board of Peace Launch in Washington

US President Donald Trump combined diplomacy with humour while inaugurating the newly formed Board of Peace initiative in Washington, an international platform focused on Gaza reconstruction and broader conflict resolution. The event, intended to highlight peacebuilding efforts, also drew attention after Trump made a light-hearted remark during his welcome address to Paraguayan President Santiago Peña.

While greeting Peña, Trump joked about youth and appearance, saying he prefers women over “young, handsome men,” prompting laughter among attendees. The comment quickly became a talking point, briefly overshadowing the high-level diplomatic agenda of the meeting.

Paraguayan President Santiago Peña, 47, is the youngest president in Paraguay’s democratic era. An economist and former finance minister, he assumed office in August 2023 after winning the presidential election as the candidate of the Colorado Party.

Gaza reconstruction and funding commitments

Beyond the lighter moment, Trump used the gathering to outline the Board of Peace’s immediate priorities, particularly the reconstruction and stabilisation of Gaza following prolonged conflict.

He pledged that the United States would contribute $10 billion to the initiative, aimed at rebuilding infrastructure and supporting long-term peace. Additional financial commitments were announced from several Gulf nations, including Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates, each pledging at least $1 billion. Officials indicated that more than $6.5 billion in international pledges had been secured, excluding the US commitment.

Trump emphasised the goal of restoring stability and prosperity to Gaza, describing the initiative as part of a broader effort to bring lasting peace to conflict-affected regions.

Formation of a new international platform

The Board of Peace was formally introduced at the former headquarters of the United States Institute of Peace, which has been restructured under the new initiative. The platform is designed to coordinate reconstruction efforts, promote stability, and address future global conflict zones.

Under the proposed structure, participating nations may seek permanent membership beyond an initial term by contributing financial support. Trump is expected to retain significant influence over the body, including veto authority, and may continue to play a leadership role even after leaving office.

The initiative emerged from diplomatic efforts linked to the Gaza ceasefire process, brokered with regional partners following two years of conflict between Israel and Hamas. A subsequent phase of the peace framework includes disarmament measures and long-term governance arrangements.

Global attention and diplomatic implications

The launch of the Board of Peace has drawn international attention for its ambitious goals and governance structure. While supporters view it as an innovative mechanism to accelerate peacebuilding, critics have raised questions about its overlap with existing international institutions.

Despite the humour that briefly captured headlines, the meeting underscored the urgency of reconstruction efforts in Gaza and the need for sustained international cooperation to ensure humanitarian relief and long-term stability.

As the initiative moves forward, its effectiveness will depend on funding commitments, diplomatic coordination, and the cooperation of regional stakeholders in implementing peace and rebuilding efforts.