Full Breakdown
Lula Accuses Trump of Creating a New UN with Board of Peace
1/24/2026, 9:05:08 PM
Lula's Critique of Trump's Initiative
Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva has publicly criticized U.S. President Donald Trump for attempting to establish a "new UN" through his recently announced "Board of Peace." Lula's remarks, made on January 23, 2026, highlight concerns over the implications of Trump's initiative for global governance and multilateralism. The Board of Peace was unveiled at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, where Trump claimed that countries could secure a permanent seat for a fee of $1 billion, with himself as the chairman.
Lula articulated his discontent by stating, “Instead of fixing the United Nations, what’s happening? President Trump is proposing to create a new UN where only he is the owner.” He emphasized the need for multilateralism, criticizing what he termed “the law of the jungle” in international relations. His comments followed a conversation with Chinese leader Xi Jinping, who urged Lula to protect the UN's central role in global affairs.
Concerns Over the Board of Peace
The Board of Peace was initially intended to oversee the reconstruction of Gaza following ongoing conflicts, yet its charter appears to extend beyond this scope, raising fears that it may rival the UN. Key U.S. allies, including France and Britain, have expressed skepticism regarding the board's legitimacy and structure. France has labeled the current charter as “incompatible” with its international commitments, while the UK has raised concerns about the inclusion of Russian President Vladimir Putin, amidst ongoing tensions related to Ukraine.
Official Statements & Responses
Lula's statements reflect a broader apprehension about the shift from multilateralism to unilateralism in global politics. He has called for reforms within the UN, advocating for the inclusion of countries like Brazil and Mexico as permanent members of the Security Council. The White House has invited Lula to join the Board of Peace, which aims to supervise a National Committee for the Administration of Gaza, although Lula has not publicly responded to this invitation.
Criticism & Opposition
Critics of Trump's Board of Peace argue that it undermines established international frameworks and could lead to further fragmentation of global governance. Lula's stance is supported by various leaders who fear that the board may prioritize U.S. interests over collective international cooperation. His advocacy for multilateralism is seen as a counter to the unilateral actions that have characterized recent U.S. foreign policy.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
While Trump claims that 59 countries have signed onto the Board of Peace, only 19 were present at its launch in Davos. This discrepancy raises questions about the board's actual support and legitimacy. Additionally, the lack of clarity regarding the board's mandate and operational details remains a significant gap in understanding its potential impact on international relations.
Verbatim Quotes
- “what’s happening? President Trump is proposing to create a new UN where only he is the owner” — Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, President of Brazil
- “the UN charter is being torn.” — Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, President of Brazil
- “multilateralism is being thrown out by unilateralism,” — Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, President of Brazil
Lula's vocal opposition to Trump's initiative underscores a critical moment in international relations, as leaders navigate the complexities of global governance amid rising unilateralism.
