CREW requests records on Board of Peace funding and operations

CREW requested records from the State Department on an expedited basis related to communication, funding, and bank account management of the various programs conducted by the Board of Peace. The public urgently deserves to understand the U.S. government’s role in the Board of Peace and to understand whether tax dollars are being paid to an unaccountable private entity controlled by the president. 

President Donald Trump proposed the Board of Peace in September 2025 to oversee reconstruction of Gaza and it was officially established on January 22nd, 2026. Following its establishment, President Trump stated that the U.S. would commit $10 billion in taxpayer funding to the Board. 

Despite Trump’s large tax dollar commitment to it, the Board’s operation plan, legal status and details of its funding remain unclear. Moreover, the Executive Board, which is meant to oversee the allocation of funds, was appointed and is removable solely by Trump—and it includes his son-in-law, Jared Kushner. The Board’s reported negotiations to create a private bank account with JPMorgan leaves little to no details about who may access or withdraw funds from the account. 

This lack of transparency raises significant concerns about the separation of powers. 

If any public funds are paid to the Board, Congress must be able to conduct oversight of these funds, since Congress is responsible for allocating and overseeing government spending. And especially in matters of international assistance, particularly with aid to Gaza and the West Bank, Congress has demanded an even greater level of transparency and accountability. However, when questioned by Congress, Secretary of State Marco Rubio failed to ease senators’ concerns and was unwilling or unable to directly answer questions about the Board’s management. 

CREW requested documents revealing funds transfers, structure  and operating plans that will help both Congress and the public to understand the workings of the Board. The public is entitled to know where the Board receives its funds, exactly how much taxpayers are paying into the fund and where the funds are going.