Elon Musk Jabs Trump’s ‘Board of Peace’ in Davos Appearance

Elon Musk appeared to take a swipe at former U.S. President Donald Trump and his much-mocked idea of a “Board of Peace” during a wide-ranging discussion at the World Economic Forum (WEF) in Davos, sparking fresh debate online and in political circles.

Speaking during a session that touched on global governance, conflict resolution, and the influence of wealthy individuals in international affairs, the Tesla and SpaceX CEO made remarks that many interpreted as thinly veiled sarcasm aimed at Trump’s recent rhetoric. Musk quipped about the idea of billionaires “joining exclusive clubs to manage world peace,” drawing laughter from parts of the audience and immediate reactions on social media.

While Musk did not mention Trump by name, the timing and tone of his comments led observers to link them to Trump’s controversial statements about forming elite boards or councils to shape global stability—ideas critics have dismissed as unrealistic and self-serving.

The moment was particularly notable given Musk’s complicated history with Trump. Once a member of Trump’s business advisory councils during the early days of his presidency, Musk later distanced himself, publicly breaking with the administration over climate policy and other issues. Since then, their relationship has oscillated between mutual praise and pointed criticism.

At Davos, Musk maintained his characteristic mix of humor and provocation, emphasizing that sustainable peace depends more on strong institutions, technology, and economic opportunity than on what he called “vanity projects driven by ego rather than substance.”

Reaction to the remarks was swift. Supporters applauded Musk for poking fun at what they see as grandstanding politics, while Trump allies accused the billionaire entrepreneur of hypocrisy, noting his own outsized influence on global markets, technology, and public discourse.

As with many Musk comments, the Davos jab blurred the line between serious critique and playful trolling. But it succeeded in reigniting conversation around Trump’s “Board of Peace” idea—and underscored how personality clashes among powerful figures continue to shape global political narratives, even on the polished stage of the World Economic Forum.