By Gloria Nosa
At the World Economic Forum in Davos, Elon Musk took aim at US President Donald Trump’s newly launched “Board of Peace,” using a pointed pun to cast doubt on the initiative’s credibility.
“I heard about the formation of the peace summit, and I was like, is that p-i-e-c-e? You know, a little piece of Greenland, a little piece of Venezuela,” Musk quipped, drawing laughter from the audience. “All we want is peace,” he added, prompting more chuckles.
The remark highlights the increasingly complicated relationship between Musk and Trump, which has swung between collaboration and public conflict since 2025. Observers note that in Davos, where every word carries political weight, Musk’s joke is more than lighthearted commentary—it is a subtle critique of Trump’s foreign policy project.
What is the Board of Peace?
Trump officially unveiled the Board of Peace at Davos as a body meant to address global conflicts, presenting it as an alternative or complement to the United Nations. However, the initiative has drawn criticism for its heavy presidential focus and unusual financial requirements: countries can pay $1 billion to secure permanent membership, while others are only temporary participants. Many signatory states are also led by authoritarian governments, raising questions about the board’s legitimacy and intent.
Musk and Trump: From Allies to Tense Rivals
Musk’s engagement with Trump dates back to the 2024 election, when he was the campaign’s largest donor, contributing over $230 million, and used his social platform X to amplify Trump’s messages. Musk later served in Trump’s administration as head of the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), leaving the post in May 2025 when his “special government employee” status expired.
Tensions escalated throughout 2025, particularly after Musk publicly criticised Trump’s fiscal policies and trade adviser Peter Navarro. The disputes culminated in public threats from Trump regarding Musk’s immigration status and the potential influence of government contracts on his companies. By autumn 2025, the two appeared to have reached a tentative “truce,” with Musk attending high-profile White House events and receiving visible gestures of goodwill from Trump.
Why Musk’s Davos Remarks Matter
Musk’s Davos comments carry weight because they signal that, despite previous collaboration, he is willing to openly challenge Trump’s initiatives. Analysts describe their current relationship as a “fragile truce,” where both parties recognise the political leverage they hold over each other. Musk’s joke about the Board of Peace underscores his independence: he is no longer just a supportive ally, but a critic capable of influencing public perception of Trump’s projects.
The Board of Peace now faces the challenge of justifying its existence, its legitimacy, and its value compared to established international institutions. Musk’s intervention, delivered with a mix of humour and sharp critique, reinforces the scrutiny surrounding the initiative while demonstrating his continued influence in political and global discourse.
