Donald Trump took the stage at the World Economic Forum in Davos and introduced his Board of Peace, a new plan he calls an alternative to the United Nations. He welcomed leaders from multiple countries and said he was “friends” with all of them.
The countries represented included Argentina, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Bahrain, Bulgaria, Hungary, Indonesia, Jordan, Kosovo, Mongolia, Morocco, Pakistan, Paraguay, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Turkey, the United Arab Emirates, and Uzbekistan. Europe was notably absent, and reports suggested Russian leader Vladimir Putin had been invited.
But there is a glaring problem.
Many of the invited nations are banned from entering the United States because of Trump’s travel restrictions. Armenia, Azerbaijan, Jordan, Kosovo, Mongolia, Morocco, Pakistan, and Uzbekistan all face strict visa limits.
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Earlier this year, the administration halted immigrant visa processing for people from 75 countries. Trump called the Board “one of the most consequential bodies ever created,” yet these restrictions make full participation impossible.
At the launch, Jared Kushner showed futuristic images of Gaza, including data centers, luxury apartments, and plans for “coastal tourism.” Trump also presented CGI visuals with over 100,000 housing units and 75 medical facilities.
“When America booms, the entire world booms,” Trump said. “This board has the chance to be one of the most consequential bodies ever created and it’s my enormous honor to serve as its chairman.”
He continued: “The board of peace is composed of the top leaders in the world, actually. Last October, we released a plan for the permanent end to the conflict in Gaza – and I’m pleased to say that our vision was unanimously adopted by the United Nations Security Council.”
Trump promised the board would make Gaza demilitarized. Secretary of State Marco Rubio described it as a “board of action.”
Former British Prime Minister Tony Blair was named a member, and Trump will chair the board himself. The initiative grew out of a US-brokered ceasefire between Israel and Hamas. Each member country is expected to contribute $1 billion to join.
Despite the grand statements and flashy visuals, the travel restrictions expose a real weakness. Many invited leaders cannot even legally enter the United States, leaving Trump’s global plans on shaky ground.
Featured image via Political Tribune Gallery
