Trump Is Hijacking Billions in Taxpayer Money for His Made-Up ‘Peace’ Group

Rolling Stone

by nikkimccannramirez

February 19, 2026

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President Donald Trump has allocated $10 billion in taxpayer funds to his newly formed "Board of Peace," a controversial initiative criticized for its lack of transparency and questionable membership. The board includes nations with records of human rights abuses and government corruption, such as Israel, Turkey, Saudi Arabia, and Argentina, which have been invited despite their checkered histories. At the group's first official meeting in Washington, D.C., Trump announced that these countries would supposedly use the funds to promote peace in the Middle East, though details on how the money will be spent remain unclear. The initiative appears more aligned with Trump’s personal vision for the region rather than impartial diplomacy. Earlier this year at Davos, his son-in-law Jared Kushner, who holds no formal government position, unveiled plans to transform war-torn areas into tourist destinations like a "Trump Riviera." This has raised eyebrows, as it seems to prioritize profit over peace. Trump himself has suggested that the $10 billion could be sourced from military spending, though Congress has not authorized this expenditure. Despite these concerns, member nations were quick to praise Trump for convening the meeting, which was marked by a lavish presentation featuring rock anthems like "Y.M.C.A." and "November Rain." However, several prominent allies, including the United Kingdom, France, Germany, and Italy, have declined to join. Even the Vatican rejected an invitation, highlighting the lack of international legitimacy for this initiative. Critics argue that Trump’s control over the board, without term limits or oversight

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Originally published on Rolling Stone on 2/19/2026