US President Donald Trump is considering a potential "lifetime" role as chairman of the newly established Peace Council, an organization whose charter permits such a position. Trump made these remarks on 22/1, while speaking with reporters aboard Air Force One as he flew from Switzerland to Washington following the annual World Economic Forum (WEF) meeting.

When asked if he intended to chair the Peace Council after his White House term concludes in 2029, the US leader stated he "has the right to continue" if he wishes. "I mean, I'll decide later. We'll see how things go. They like me. Theoretically, I could hold that position for life. But I'm not sure I want to," Trump said.

The Peace Council's charter, released on 22/1 after its signing ceremony in Davos, explicitly names Trump as the first chairman, concurrently serving as the US representative to the organization. The document stipulates that the chairman can only be replaced "after voluntary resignation or due to incapacitation." Furthermore, another section of the charter outlines that the chairman will appoint their successor. Replacement only occurs when the incumbent chairman resigns or loses leadership capacity, subsequently requiring unanimous approval from the Executive Board.

US President Donald Trump (center) at the signing of the Peace Council Charter on 22/1 in Switzerland. Photo: AP

Trump indicated that the Peace Council would "do great things in Gaza and possibly other things," suggesting the organization's scope would extend beyond the Gaza issue. He also mentioned working with the United Nations on the new entity. "I've always said the United Nations has a lot of potential. But they haven't operated up to their potential. I've brokered eight peace deals. I think cooperating with the Peace Council will make the United Nations better," the US president added.

At the charter signing ceremony in Switzerland, Trump declared that the US was "committed" to ensuring Gaza is "demilitarized, properly governed, and beautifully rebuilt." He reiterated that the council could "expand to other matters" if successful with Gaza. As of 20/1, 35 nations had expressed interest in joining, and the US reportedly extended invitations to over 60 countries, according to a White House official cited by Reuters. Trump has also previously suggested that this new mechanism "could" replace the United Nations.

However, some European and other nations have expressed skepticism regarding the initiative. France, for instance, announced its temporary non-participation, citing concerns that the organization operating "beyond the Gaza framework" would challenge respect for the United Nations' principles and structure.