Trump holds first Board of Peace meeting in D.C., calling it ‘one of the most important and consequential things’ he’s done
OAN Staff Katherine Mosack
8:17 AM – Thursday, February 19, 2026
President Donald Trump has gathered with representatives from more than two dozen countries for the inaugural meeting of his Board of Peace at the newly renamed Donald J. Trump U.S. Institute of Peace in Washington, D.C.
“We have the greatest leaders in the world joining the Board of Peace,” Trump told reporters earlier this week, before Thursday’s meeting. “I think it has the chance to be the most consequential board ever assembled of any kind.”
President Trump at the inaugural Board of Peace meeting: “This is the most prestigious board ever put together… almost everybody’s accepted. These are the greatest world leaders.”
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The board began as part of the Trump administration’s 20-point peace plan to end the war in Gaza, though his vision for the board is far greater, believing it will help to resolve conflicts around the world.
President Donald Trump on launching the “Board of Peace”: “It’s an easy word to say, but a hard word to produce, peace. But we’re going to produce it.”
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Trump says his administration has already helped settle multiple conflicts, with more progress ahead.
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Trump, the chairman, was joined by Vice President JD Vance, Secretary of State Marco Rubio, U.S. Special Envoy Steve Witkoff, White House Chief of Staff Susie Wiles and his son-in-law, Jared Kushner, who had a hand in drawing up the Israel-Hamas ceasefire plan.
Argentinian President Javier Milei, Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet and Hungary’s Viktor Orbán were among the many leaders who represented their countries while also carrying red “USA” hats at the meeting.
Other countries in attendance include Belarus, Egypt, El Salvador, Israel, Jordan, Mongolia, Pakistan, Paraguay and Vietnam.
“Board of Peace is one of the most important and consequential things, I think, that I’ll be involved in,” Trump said in his opening remarks.
While welcoming the many countries that had accepted his invitation, Trump also highlighted those that chose to decline, including Western powers such as Canada, France, the United Kingdom.
“Almost everybody’s accepted, and the ones that haven’t, will be. And some are playing a little cute — it doesn’t work. You can’t play cute with me,” Trump said. “But, this is the most prestigious board ever put together.”
President Trump announced that several nations contributed over billion to the relief package, calling every dollar an investment in a stable and harmonious Middle East.
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Trump also thanked nine countries, which he announced had pledged a combined $7 billion to a Gaza relief package, assisting the original goals of the board. The package will be funded by Azerbaijan, Bahrain, Kazakhstan, Kuwait, Morocco, Saudi Arabia, Uzbekistan, the United Arab Emirates and Qatar.
“Every dollar spent is an investment in stability and the hope of new and harmonious (region),” said Trump.
He also pledged $10 billion from the United States to the Board of Peace.
President Trump highlighted progress since last October’s ceasefire, noting that the U.S. and its partners have delivered unprecedented humanitarian aid.
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Additionally, Albania, Indonesia, Kazakhstan, Kosovo and Morocco pledged to send troops for the stabilization of Gaza.
Trump put to rest rumors that in creating the board, he meant to compete with the United Nations, saying that his board will instead “strengthen up the United Nations,” though it may also “be looking over the United Nations and making sure it runs properly,” he said.
HAPPENING NOW: President Trump speaks at first Board of Peace meeting
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