The Trump administration is asking countries that want to obtain a permanent seat on its new Council of Peace to contribute at least $1 billion.
According to the draft charter of the proposed group, which was reviewed by Bloomberg, President Donald Trump will be its first chairman and will decide whom to invite as members. Decisions will be made by a majority vote, with each participating state having one vote, but all decisions must be approved by the chairman.
"The term of office of each member state shall not exceed three years from the date of entry into force of this Charter and may be extended by the chairman. The three-year term of office shall not apply to member states that contribute more than US$1,000,000,000 to the Peace Council during the first year after the entry into force of the Charter," the draft states.
Critics worry that Trump is trying to create an alternative or competitor to the United Nations, which he has long criticized.
The Charter describes the Council as "an international organization that seeks to promote stability, restore sound and legitimate governance, and ensure lasting peace in regions affected by or threatened by conflict." It will become a formal body once three member states agree on a charter.
Trump has invited a number of world leaders, including Argentina's Javier Miley and Canada's Mark Carney, to join a Gaza Peace Council to be formed within his new Peace Council.
A US official confirmed to Bloomberg News that while members will be able to join for free, the $1 billion fee will ensure their permanent membership.