Macron Declines Trump’s ‘Board Of Peace’ Invite As Global Leaders Balk At $1 Billion ‘Pay-To-Play’ Fee

PARIS/WASHINGTON—Diplomatic tensions reached a boiling point on Tuesday, January 20, 2026, as French President Emmanuel Macron officially signaled his refusal to join U.S. President Donald Trump’s proposed “Board of Peace.” The decision marks the first major blow to Trump’s ambitious plan to create a new international governing body for the reconstruction of Gaza and the resolution of global conflicts.

Macron’s rejection comes amid reports of a controversial $1 billion “permanent membership fee” and growing fears that the Board is designed to bypass and eventually replace the United Nations Security Council (UNSC).

1. Why France is Saying “Non”

Sources close to the Élysée Palace stated that France views the Board’s charter as a direct threat to the established global order.

• UN Primacy: France, a permanent member of the UNSC, believes the UN framework is “non-negotiable.” A source told reporters that Trump’s initiative raises major questions regarding “respect for international law and the sovereign equality of states.”
• Mandate Creep: While initially proposed to oversee post-war Gaza, the Board’s draft charter reportedly makes no specific mention of Gaza. Instead, it frames the Board as a “nimble” body that can intervene in any global conflict, which Paris views as a dangerous expansion of U.S. power.
• The “Vanity Project” Label: European diplomats have privately characterized the Board as a Trump-led “pay-to-play” alternative to the UN, where the U.S. President would hold permanent chairmanship and final veto power over all decisions.

2. The $1 Billion Buy-In: Permanent Seat or Three-Year Lease?

A leaked draft of the Board’s charter has sparked “bewilderment” among world leaders due to its tiered membership structure:

• The Fee: Countries that contribute $1 billion in cash within the first year are granted Permanent Membership.
• The “Lease”: Nations that do not pay the fee are granted a three-year term, subject to renewal only at the Chairman’s (Trump’s) discretion.
• Executive Power: While the Board would include figures like World Bank President Ajay Banga and former UK PM Tony Blair, the charter specifies that all majority decisions still require the Chairman’s personal approval.

3. India Weighs “Pros and Cons” Amid Pakistan Factor

New Delhi has confirmed receiving an invitation but has not yet responded. Prime Minister Narendra Modi is reportedly weighing several tricky variables:

• The UN Stance: India has long advocated for UN reform but is wary of a parallel organization that could undermine the UN’s authority.
• The Pakistan Risk: With Pakistan having already received an invite and expressing interest, India faces the dilemma of being “excluded from the table” if it declines, potentially allowing Islamabad a greater say in Middle Eastern security.
• Economic Pressure: India is already facing up to 50% tariffs from the Trump administration, making a flat refusal diplomatically risky.

Board of Peace: Global Response Tracker (as of Jan 20, 2026)