President Donald Trump struck an informal and at times controversial tone while addressing global leaders at the inaugural meeting of his newly formed peace board on Thursday, mixing policy remarks with personal observations that drew attention during the high-profile gathering.
The event brought together invited world leaders for discussions centered on conflict resolution and Gaza reconstruction, though Trump spent a significant portion of his opening remarks praising attendees and the venue. Observers noted the president repeatedly used the word “beautiful” — at least 14 times — to describe both his administration’s work and the event space, which had been named in his honor.
During the meeting, Trump made a remark that quickly gained traction, saying, “I don’t like young, handsome men. Women I like. Men, I don’t have any interest,” while introducing Paraguay’s President Santiago Peña. He also commented on the physical appearance of several leaders on stage, including Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto, as participants gathered for a group photograph.
Also Read: ED Tells Supreme Court West Bengal CM Obstructed I-PAC Searches
The peace board, established by Trump in September, is intended to focus initially on Gaza reconstruction but is envisioned by the president as a broader global conflict-resolution platform. Some key US allies declined to join the forum, and critics have warned the initiative could overlap with or undermine the role of the United Nations.
Trump also used the speech to highlight his negotiating style, claiming he had previously used tariff threats to pressure countries such as India and Pakistan to ease tensions — an assertion India has rejected. The Middle East situation itself was addressed only later in his remarks, roughly 25 minutes into the speech.
In lighter moments, Trump recounted an anecdote about visiting UN headquarters with First Lady Melania Trump, drawing mixed reactions from attendees. Despite the informal tone, the administration has positioned the new board as a significant diplomatic initiative, though its long-term role in global conflict management remains uncertain.
Also Read: India Participates as Observer at Donald Trump’s Board of Peace Discussions