Trump’s “Board of Peace”: Purpose and Key Members Revealed
Donald Trump’s return to the political spotlight has been accompanied by the formation of a new advisory group: the “Board of Peace.” Announced as a key part of his campaign strategy, this initiative aims to address specific concerns within the Republican base and shape his future policy direction. Here’s a breakdown of what the Board of Peace is and who has joined its ranks.
What is the Board of Peace?
The Board of Peace is presented as a body tasked with developing and promoting policies focused on national security, border control, and economic strength. Its stated mission aligns closely with Trump’s core campaign themes, particularly his emphasis on securing the US-Mexico border and his controversial past rhetoric on immigration. The board is designed to provide Trump with expert advice and a platform to articulate these priorities, potentially serving as a counterbalance to mainstream Republican views or established think tanks.
Key Members of the Board of Peace
Trump has announced several prominent figures as initial members, signaling the group’s focus on security and governance:
- Donald Trump: As the founder and chairman, Trump will chair the board, directing its agenda and policy recommendations.
- Mike Pence: The former Vice President, a key figure in Trump’s 2016 campaign and administration, brings experience in national security and governance.
- Kris Kobach: A well-known immigration hardliner and former Kansas Secretary of State, Kobach is a central figure in Trump’s hardline immigration policies and will serve as a special advisor.
- James Woolsey: A former CIA Director, Woolsey adds national security expertise, particularly relevant to the board’s focus on defense and intelligence matters.
- Mark Krikorian: Executive Director of the Center for Immigration Studies (CIS), a think tank advocating for reduced immigration, reinforcing the board’s security focus.
- Mark Penn: A veteran Democratic pollster and strategist, Penn’s inclusion is notable and aims to bridge traditional Republican and Democratic polling methodologies.
- Paul Manafort: The former Trump campaign chairman, Manafort brings deep campaign and political strategy experience, though his recent legal issues are a significant backdrop.
- Mark Burnett: A successful television producer, Burnett is included for his media and branding expertise, crucial for shaping the board’s public narrative.
- Stephen Moore: A conservative economist and Trump ally, Moore contributes economic policy perspectives aligned with Trump’s pro-growth, anti-regulation stance.
- David Bossie: President of Citizens United, Bossie offers insights into campaign finance and conservative political strategy.
- Robert Bedrosian: A former CIA officer and counter-terrorism expert, Bedrosian enhances the board’s security credentials.
- Joe Kasper: A former aide to Representative Matt Gaetz, Kasper brings a strong anti-establishment, hardline immigration perspective.
Why the Board of Peace Matters
The formation of the Board of Peace is a strategic move by Trump. It serves several purposes:
- Policy Development: Provides a mechanism to develop and refine hardline policy proposals, particularly on immigration and border security.
- Base Engagement: Aims to energize and reassure the Republican base, which has expressed concerns about Trump’s shifting positions on certain issues.
- Media Platform: Offers a structured way for Trump and his allies to communicate directly with the public and media, bypassing traditional channels.
- Campaign Organization: Reinforces Trump’s campaign infrastructure and signals a return to the aggressive, populist style of his 2016 run.
- Strategic Balance: The inclusion of figures like Mark Penn attempts to balance the board’s hard-right orientation with more centrist or Democratic-aligned perspectives on polling and messaging.
The Significance of the Membership
The membership list is telling. It heavily features immigration restrictionists (Kobach, Krikorian), national security figures (Woolsey, Bedrosian), and campaign strategists (Manafort, Kasper, Bossie). The inclusion of Penn and Burnett suggests an awareness of the need for broader messaging appeal. While the board’s official policy output remains to be seen, its composition strongly signals that hardline positions on immigration and national security will remain central to Trump’s campaign messaging.
The Board of Peace represents Trump’s attempt to consolidate his base and define his campaign’s policy direction. Its success will depend on its ability to generate credible policy proposals and maintain its relevance in the broader political discourse.