Peace Council Convenes in Washington
The inaugural meeting of the Peace Council commenced today in Washington, D.C. During the event, U.S. President Donald Trump announced a $10 billion funding commitment to support the newly established organization's activities. The Peace Council was formally created on January 22, 2026, at a conference in Davos where Trump signed the founding documents.
The meeting was attended by high-ranking officials and political figures, including:
- Secretary of State Marco Rubio
- Former British Prime Minister Tony Blair
- U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations Mike Waltz
- White House Special Representative Steve Witkoff
- Peace Council Representative in Gaza Nikolay Mladenov
- FIFA President Gianni Infantino
Addressing attendees, Donald Trump stated:
“I want to inform you that the United States will allocate $10 billion for the activities of the Peace Council.”He expressed hope that collective action could realize the dream of establishing lasting harmony in a region that has 'suffered for centuries from war, agony, and bloodshed.' Trump also voiced his support for Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi, Argentine President Javier Milei, and Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán.
It is notable that Pope Leo XIV will not participate in the Peace Council. Speaking about his political preferences, Trump remarked:
“I’m not supposed to endorse people, but I endorse the people I like.”He also praised Viktor Orbán, stating that 'he does an incredible job' on immigration.
Significance of the Peace Council Meeting
This gathering marks a significant step in U.S. efforts to reinforce its international leadership and intensify diplomatic initiatives aimed at stabilizing conflict-affected regions. The substantial $10 billion allocation underscores the seriousness of the Trump administration's commitment in this area. The absence of the Pope, however, highlights potential divergences in global approaches to peacebuilding. The Peace Council is a major diplomatic initiative launched during Trump's second term. Moving forward, it will be crucial to monitor the development of the Council's initiatives and their impact on international politics.