Trump’s Board of Peace Launch Marred by Unexpected Remarks
The inaugural meeting of President Donald Trump’s Board of Peace, intended to focus on a Gaza peace plan and fundraising for reconstruction, took an unexpected turn on Thursday when the President veered off script with comments about Paraguayan President Santiago Peña’s appearance.
A Remarkable Aside During Peace Talks
During remarks at the U.S. Institute of Peace in Washington, D.C., Trump praised Peña as a “young, handsome guy,” before adding, “It doesn’t mean we have to like you. I don’t like young, handsome men. Women — I like. Men, I don’t have any interest.” The comment, delivered during a nearly 40-minute address, drew chuckles from the audience.
Santiago Peña: A Rising Political Figure
Santiago Peña, 47, is the current President of Paraguay, having assumed office in August 2023. He is Paraguay’s youngest president in its democratic era. Peña holds a Master’s in Public Administration from Columbia University and previously served as Minister of Finance from 2015 to 2017.
Focus on Gaza Reconstruction and Funding
Despite the unexpected interlude, the Board of Peace meeting did address its primary purpose: securing funding for Gaza. Trump announced that nine countries – Kazakhstan, Azerbaijan, the United Arab Emirates, Morocco, Bahrain, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Uzbekistan and Kuwait – had collectively pledged $7 billion towards a relief package for the region.
The Board of Peace: A Fundraising Initiative?
The White House has indicated that the Board of Peace, convened at the renamed Donald J Trump Institute of Peace, will function, in part, as a fundraising event. The meeting brought together delegates from nearly 50 nations.
What Does This Say About Trump’s Communication Style?
This incident highlights President Trump’s tendency to deviate from prepared remarks and engage in spontaneous, often unconventional, commentary. This style, while sometimes criticized, has consistently been a hallmark of his public appearances.
Pro Tip:
When analyzing political speeches, pay attention not only to the stated policy goals but as well to the unscripted moments. These often reveal underlying attitudes and priorities.
FAQ
Q: What is the Board of Peace?
A: It is a council formed by President Trump to oversee the implementation of his 20-point Gaza peace plan and to raise funds for reconstruction efforts.
Q: Who is Santiago Peña?
A: He is the current President of Paraguay, a 47-year-old economist and politician.
Q: How much money was pledged for Gaza reconstruction?
A: A total of $7 billion was pledged by nine countries.
Q: Where did the Board of Peace meeting take place?
A: The meeting was held at the U.S. Institute of Peace in Washington, D.C.
Did you know? President Trump’s Board of Peace meeting took place on February 19, 2026.
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