United States PresidentDonald Trumpjoked about sharing the limelight with Secretary of State Marco Rubio and first lady Melania Trump at the maiden meeting of the members of the Board of Peace in Washington. Addressing the world leaders, Trump said that US Secretary of State Rubio had made him so proud that he "almost terminated his" employment. He made the comments in reference to Rubio's address at the Munich Security Conference held earlier this month.
"You did yourself proud in Munich. In fact, so well, I almost terminated his employment. Because they said, why can't Trump do this?!" Trump said. "I do, but I say it differently," Trump said. "But Marco, don’t do any better than you did, please. Because if you do, you’re out of here," Trump added, to laughter. While Rubio has gathered praise for his Munich speech, Melania has been in the news for her documentary that was released on February 1.
At the Munich Conference, Rubio had offered a reassuring message to US allies about Washington's intent to reshape the trans-Atlantic alliance and push its priorities after more than a year of Trump’s often-hostile rhetoric toward traditional allies.
Speaking of America’s centuries-long roots in Europe, Rubio said the US would remain forever tied to the continent even as it pushes for changes in the relationship and the institutions that have been the bulwark of the post-World War II world order. Rubio addressed the conference a year after Vice President JD Vance stunned the same audience with a harsh critique of European values.
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio waves as he departs Munich International Airport in Munich, Sunday, Feb. 15, 2026
The Board of Peace, which was formed as a part of the US President's 20-point peace plan to end the conflict in Gaza, met for the first time on February 19. At the inaugural meeting, Trump said that the US will strengthen the United Nations, make it viable and help it "money-wise", adding that the Board of Peace will be "looking over" the global organisation, making sure it runs properly.
"Someday, I won't be here. The United Nations will be… is going to be much stronger. The Board of Peace is going to almost be looking over the United Nations and making sure it runs properly," the US President said. "And we are very closely working with the United Nations. In fact, I'm going to speak to the Secretary General in a little while. He's a good man, and I've had a good relationship," Trump said.
US President Donald Trump holds up a signed 'Board of Peace' charter during annual meeting of the World Economic Forum in Davos (File Image)
He announced that nine members of the body have agreed to pledge USD 7 billion toward a Gaza relief package. Kazakhstan, Azerbaijan, UAE, Morocco, Bahrain, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Uzbekistan and Kuwait are the countries that are making pledges, Trump added.
The amount, while significant, represents a fraction of the estimated USD 70 billion needed to rebuild the Palestinian territory decimated after two years of war.Trump also announced the US was pledging USD 10 billion for the Board of Peace, but didn't specify what the money will be used for.
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