Congress Must Review the Structure and Authority of Trump’s “Board of Peace”

Problematic Governance Body With Sweeping Authority and Pay-for-Influence Structure I am writing to urge Congress to examine and, if necessary, intervene to block or restructure the proposed “Board of Peace,” which would take on governance, security, and reconstruction authority over Gaza and expand its jurisdiction to other global conflicts. Reports indicate that this body would be led by a small, centralized leadership group, with President Trump serving as its chairman, operate outside existing multilateral accountability structures, and offer permanent membership in exchange for a reported $1 billion financial contribution. No defined term limits or independent removal mechanisms for the chair have been articulated, raising concerns about the concentration of authority in a single individual. As currently formulated, this proposal raises concerns about democratic legitimacy, constitutional authority, international law, and stability. If the United States participates in or finances this body without strict conditions and oversight, Congress risks giving license to a flawed and destabilizing governance model. Lack of Democratic Legitimacy The Board lacks representation from the populations it would directly govern. Authority is concentrated among leaders and appointees without electoral mandate. Excessive Centralization of Power Authority is concentrated in a small inner circle without defined term limits. Institutions meant to last must be rule-based, not personality-based. Pay-to-Play Governance Structure The ability to secure permanent membership through large financial contributions undermines the credibility of this body as a peace body and risks transforming governance into a market transaction rather than a legitimacy-based process. Lack of Clear Legal Authority Existing authorization appears narrow, conflict-specific, and time-limited. Expansion to other conflicts without explicit Congressional approval would violate democratic oversight and international law. The Board also lacks a publicly adopted charter or binding statement of purpose defining its scope, powers, decision rules, and limits, making its authority ambiguous and difficult to constrain. Mission Creep by Design The Board is intended to expand into other global conflicts without criteria, boundaries, or exit mechanisms. Absence of Accountability Safeguards There is no judicial review, independent oversight, ethics enforcement, or reporting framework. Requested Congressional Actions I respectfully urge Congress to hold oversight hearings; prohibit U.S. funding or operational involvement absent explicit authorization; require political representation; ban pay-for-influence governance structures; mandate sunset clauses; and ensure compatibility with international law and existing institutions. Peace cannot be imposed through unstable systems. U.S. peacebuilding must rest on legitimate, accountable, law-bound institutions.