Trump’s Board of Peace Signals Direct UN Oversight Amid Gaza Ceasefire Tensions
President Donald Trump announced on Thursday that his newly formed Board of Peace will work with the United Nations to shape Gaza’s future while ensuring the international organization “runs properly.”
Speaking at the inaugural gathering of the Board of Peace at the Donald J. Trump U.S. Institute of Peace, Trump argued that the UN has “tremendous potential” but has “not lived up to that potential.” He described the new board as an action-oriented alternative to decades of what he called empty global talk.
“We’re going to be working with the United Nations very closely,” Trump said in opening remarks. The Board of Peace will “almost be looking over the United Nations and making sure it runs properly,” while the U.S. provides financial support and helps strengthen UN facilities and operations.
Trump framed the board as a results-driven forum aimed at securing a durable postwar plan for Gaza following last fall’s ceasefire. At its first meeting, major unresolved issues remained, including Hamas disarmament, Israeli troop withdrawals, humanitarian aid distribution, and the structure of a reconstruction fund expected to require tens of billions of dollars.
Trump portrayed momentum as building, stating that the war in Gaza “is over” and citing growing pledges from member nations for funds, personnel, and training. He warned Hamas that any refusal to disarm would be “harshly met.”
The president also praised his envoys and inner circle for what he called major diplomatic breakthroughs, specifically thanking special envoy Steve Witkoff and his son-in-law Jared Kushner for helping deliver the Abraham Accords in his first term.
Trump later indicated that Kushner “will also now be an envoy for peace.” However, a State Department official clarified that Kushner would not become an official envoy for peace.
The initiative has drawn international attention and skepticism due to its potential impact on the UN’s traditional role as the world’s primary diplomatic platform. Some U.S. allies have declined to join while others have participated only as observers, raising questions about legitimacy and long-term structure.
Trump emphasized that America is leading in demanding accountability from institutions like the UN and pushing for measurable results — insisting that peace, not endless bureaucracy, should be the international system’s bottom line.
