Tony Blair Distances Himself From $1 Billion Fee Proposal for Trump-Led Peace Board

Former UK prime minister declines to back controversial membership cost as allies raise concerns over structure of proposed international body

By: Haitian Prime News|January 19, 2026|Washington / London

Former British Prime Minister Tony Blair has distanced himself from a proposal that would require countries to pay a $1 billion fee to secure permanent membership on a newly proposed international peace board chaired by U.S. President Donald Trump.

Blair, who has been appointed to the executive body of the proposed peace board, declined to endorse the funding requirement outlined in a draft charter for the organization. His position highlights growing unease among U.S. allies and international partners regarding the design, governance, and financial conditions of the Trump-led initiative.

According to Bloomberg News, Blair’s decision reflects broader opposition to key elements of the proposal, particularly the unprecedented fee tied to permanent membership. The peace board, still in its formative stages, has already generated diplomatic pushback over concerns that its structure could limit participation and undermine its credibility.

A spokesperson for Blair said Sunday that the former prime minister is not involved in determining the board’s membership and would not publicly support the proposal. The spokesperson added that any questions related to the $1 billion membership fee should be directed to the Trump administration.

Sources familiar with the matter indicated that several countries are likely to refuse participation altogether due to the conditions attached to membership. Other governments may be willing in principle to join an international peace board but are expected to reject paying a financial fee for permanent status.

The proposal has intensified debate within diplomatic circles, with critics arguing that imposing such a high cost risks turning a multilateral peace initiative into an exclusive, pay-to-enter institution, potentially weakening its legitimacy and global acceptance.

Sources:
Middle East Monitor
Bloomberg News
https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20260119-tony-blair-distances-himself-from-1bn-fee-for-trump-led-peace-board-membership/