Trump’s Board of Peace Faces Visa Sanctions and Shrinking Membership After Davos
Updated (3 articles)
Launch and Initial Membership at Davos Donald Trump unveiled the Board of Peace at the Davos summit, presenting it as a body to manage Gaza’s post‑war transition and broader conflict resolution [1][3]. Invitations were sent to roughly 60 nations, and about 35 have formally accepted [1]. Seven Muslim‑majority states—Saudi Arabia, Turkey, Egypt, Jordan, Indonesia, Pakistan and Qatar—joined alongside Israel, expanding the roster to include the UAE, Bahrain, Albania, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Hungary, Kazakhstan, Morocco and Vietnam [3]. The board’s charter requires a $1 billion contribution from permanent members and three‑year renewable terms, with Trump designated as chairman [3].
Key Nations Decline or Withdraw Invitations Canada’s invitation was rescinded by Trump via a Truth Social post, while France, Norway and Sweden either declined or postponed their response [1]. Slovenia’s prime minister publicly rejected the board, citing interference with the international order [3]. The United Kingdom, represented by Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper, announced it would not sign the charter at the Davos ceremony and is awaiting clarification on Vladimir Putin’s participation [2]. Britain’s delay underscores broader hesitancy among permanent UN Security Council members, none of which have committed to the board [2].
Visa Sanctions Create Participation Divide U.S. sanctions and visa processing freezes affect several invited states, including Armenia, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Egypt, Kazakhstan, Kosovo and Russia, potentially limiting their ability to attend board activities in the United States [1]. Analysts warn this could produce a two‑tier system where some members engage fully while others remain symbolic participants [1]. The United Kingdom expressed particular concern over Russia’s involvement, questioning the board’s legitimacy under such constraints [1].
Putin Invitation Remains Uncertain Amid Asset Discussions Trump asserted that Putin had accepted the invitation, but Moscow has only said the offer is under review and hinted at contributing frozen Russian assets to the board’s funding [3][2]. Russian state media reported internal debates about using these assets, while official Russian statements stopped short of confirming membership [2]. The ambiguity fuels diplomatic tension, especially as the board seeks to position itself as an alternative to UN mechanisms [2].
Charter Structure and UN Security Council Absence The board’s charter omits any reference to the Palestinian territories, prompting criticism that it could supplant UN functions in the region [2][3]. No permanent members of the UN Security Council—China, France, Russia or the United Kingdom—have signed, leaving the board without the traditional multilateral backing [2]. The $1 billion financial commitment and three‑year term design aim to create a durable institution, yet its legitimacy remains contested amid the mixed participation and legal challenges [1].
Sources
-
1.
Newsweek: Board of Peace faces sanctions and visa barriers as invitees expand: Details the Davos launch, 35‑nation acceptance, Canada’s withdrawal, visa freezes affecting several members, and legal obstacles to attendance .
-
2.
BBC: UK delays joining Trump's Board of Peace over Putin concerns: Reports the UK’s decision not to sign at Davos, concerns about Putin’s involvement, and the absence of other UN Security Council members .
-
3.
BBC: Seven Muslim-majority nations join Trump's Board of Peace as Putin invitation is reviewed: Highlights the signing of seven Muslim‑majority states plus Israel, the uncertain status of Russia’s participation, and the broader roster expansion .
Timeline
Jan 21, 2026 – Seven Muslim‑majority states (Saudi Arabia, Turkey, Egypt, Jordan, Indonesia, Pakistan, Qatar) sign onto Trump’s Board of Peace, joining Israel to pursue a permanent Gaza cease‑fire and reconstruction, while the charter omits any mention of Palestinian territory and could supplant UN roles[2].
Jan 21, 2026 – President Trump announces that Russian President Vladimir Putin has accepted the invitation to join the Board, though Moscow says the invitation is still under study and hints it could contribute frozen Russian assets to the effort[2].
Jan 21, 2026 – The Vatican confirms Pope Leo receives an invitation to the Board and will take time to decide, highlighting the body’s appeal to religious leaders[2].
Jan 21, 2026 – Slovenia’s Prime Minister Robert Golob declines the invitation, warning that the Board “dangerously interferes with the broader international order,” and a leaked charter notes that the body enters into force after three states agree, with renewable three‑year terms and a $1 billion contribution per member[2].
Jan 22, 2026 – UK Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper says the United Kingdom will not be a signatory at the Davos ceremony, citing concerns over Putin’s participation and demanding proof of Russia’s commitment to peace in Ukraine before joining[1].
Jan 22, 2026 – Cooper adds that the UK backs Trump’s Gaza peace plan and is prepared to engage in “phase two” talks, but retains reservations about Russian involvement until concrete evidence emerges[1].
Jan 22, 2026 – The Davos signing ceremony draws leaders from 19 countries, including Argentina, Hungary, Morocco, Saudi Arabia and Turkey, while the Vatican notes the Pope has been invited to join the Board[1].
Jan 23, 2026 – President Trump officially launches the Board of Peace at Davos, unveiling invitations to roughly 60 nations and reporting that about 35 have agreed to join, with each permanent member required to contribute $1 billion for a three‑year term[3].
Jan 23, 2026 – Trump withdraws Canada’s invitation via a Truth Social post, and France, Norway, Sweden and Slovenia either decline or defer, leaving Putin’s participation still unconfirmed and underscoring the Board’s uncertain geopolitical footing[3].
Jan 23, 2026 – U.S. sanctions and visa restrictions threaten participation for several invitees, creating a potential two‑tier system where some members can travel to the United States while others face frozen visa processing, including Russia, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Egypt, Kazakhstan and Kosovo[3].
Jan 23, 2026 – Policy analyst Patricia Miller claims two signing‑country leaders are barred from attending Davos because of pending war‑crimes arrest warrants, illustrating how legal actions could undermine the Board’s credibility[3].
Jan 23, 2026 – The expanding roster now lists countries across all continents—Argentina, Albania, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Bahrain, Belarus, Bulgaria, Egypt, Hungary, Israel, Indonesia, Jordan, Kazakhstan, Kosovo, Morocco, Mongolia, Pakistan, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Turkey, UAE, Uzbekistan and Vietnam—signaling broad ambition but no guarantee of consensus[3].
Future (post‑launch) – The Board’s charter stipulates that it becomes operational once three states ratify it, with members serving renewable three‑year terms and contributing $1 billion annually, positioning the body to potentially replace certain UN functions in conflict resolution[2].