Trump’s Board of Peace has a 'slush fund' problem Democrats want Rubio to explain

WASHINGTON, DC: House Democrats are demanding answers from Secretary of State Marco Rubio over the funding and oversight of President Donald Trump’s Board of Peace, an organization created to oversee parts of Gaza’s reconstruction and broader peace efforts.

In a new letter, Reps. Jamie Raskin and Gregory Meeks questioned how the Board is structured, who controls its finances and what safeguards are in place for public and foreign contributions. 

The lawmakers also signaled that they could pursue a congressional investigation if Democrats win control of the House in the November midterm elections.

The dispute follows an earlier decision by the State Department to halt a planned $50 million transfer to the Board after lawmakers raised questions about its oversight.

Trump’s Board of Peace has been given a central role in his Gaza plan and is chaired by the president himself.

Democrats demand answers on funding

Raskin and Meeks have given Rubio until September 8 to answer questions about the organization’s management, decision-making and bank accounts, according to The Hill.

The lawmakers are seeking clarity on whether the Board operates as a US or international entity and how money intended for its work is monitored.

In their letter, they raised concerns about the possibility of taxpayer dollars being transferred to an organization whose financial structure they say remains unclear.

The administration has defended the Board as an international organization created to carry out its peace and reconstruction efforts.

The Board’s official materials say it is intended to mobilize international resources and oversee Gaza's transition and redevelopment.

Earlier transfer faced congressional pushback

The latest letter follows months of questions from Democrats about money connected to the Board.

Sen. Jeanne Shaheen previously pressed the State Department for information after officials notified Congress of plans to transfer $50 million for initial operating expenses. 

She said the department had been unable to answer several questions about financial monitoring and oversight procedures.

The State Department later rescinded the planned transfer, according to the latest report.

Meanwhile, the Board has sought international financial support for its Gaza plans.

Its official website lists several countries that have pledged financial backing for the initiative, while the Trump administration has described the body as a vehicle for mobilizing resources for reconstruction and stabilization.

Gaza rebuilding remains an urgent challenge

The argument in Washington comes as Gaza’s future remains deeply uncertain.

Trump’s peace plan places the Board in a role overseeing the framework and funding for redevelopment, but major questions surrounding governance, security and reconstruction remain unresolved.

Recent reporting has also described continuing obstacles to putting the broader plan into effect.

The Board has continued working on proposals involving Hamas's disarmament and Gaza's future administration, while negotiations over key elements of the plan continue.

For the millions of people affected by the war, rebuilding homes, restoring basic services and securing long-term stability remain central concerns.