The U.S. had refused to pay off the huge debt owed to the United Nations, with additional debt for peacekeeping missions.

The meeting's main focus was to address next steps regarding the fragile ceasefire in Gaza

But ahead of the board’s first gathering, the Gaza ceasefire deal remains fragile and Trump’s expanded vision for it has triggered fears the U.S. president is looking to create a rival to the United Nations. Trump earlier this week said he hoped the board would push the U.N. to “get on the ball.”

It had the hallmarks of a Trump political rally – Laura Branigan’s “Gloria” blaring over speakers and red “USA” hats handed out to participants.

Pope Leo rejects Trump’s ‘Board of Peace’ invite and backs UN to solve global crises - Vatican says it has concerns about ‘critical issues’ with Trump’s initiative

Vatican declines to join Trump's Board of Peace for Gaza recovery, citing concerns about the initiative's nature and preferring UN leadership instead.