Trump Seeks $10 Billion in Taxpayer Money for New Board of Peace, Critics Warn of Oversight Risks
Donald Trump said Thursday that he wants the United States to contribute $10 billion to his newly announced “Board of Peace,” a proposal that would require approval from Congress.
Speaking at the board’s inaugural meeting in Washington, Trump described the $10 billion figure as small compared to the cost of military conflicts. He said the amount is “a very small number when you look at that compared to the cost of war.”
Any transfer of federal funds, however, must be authorized by Congress, which controls government spending. Lawmakers have not approved funding for the board.
Critics argue the proposed board could operate with limited oversight, raising concerns about transparency and how the money would be used. Supporters say the initiative is intended to support diplomatic and strategic efforts abroad.
The proposal comes amid ongoing debates about executive authority and Congress’s constitutional power over federal spending. Under U.S. law, large financial commitments typically require legislative approval.
Trump has also faced scrutiny over recent foreign policy actions, including authorizing military operations without formal declarations of war from Congress, sparking debate among lawmakers about presidential powers.
He has also expressed support for proposals related to Gaza that have been linked to longtime adviser Jared Kushner, though details about funding and implementation have not been fully outlined.
The funding request comes as Congress and the White House remain in negotiations over Department of Homeland Security funding, contributing to a partial government shutdown.
Separately, Trump previously said permanent seats on the Board of Peace were being offered for $1 billion each, but it remains unclear how much money has been raised or how those funds would be allocated.
