U.S. President Donald Trump said on Tuesday that the United Nations should be allowed to continue its role, even as he faces growing international concern over his proposed “Board of Peace,” an initiative he says is aimed at resolving conflicts around the world.
Asked whether the new body was intended to replace the United Nations, Trump replied “might,” before stressing that the UN should not be sidelined. “I believe you got to let the U.N. continue because the potential is so great,” he said, while criticizing the organization for failing to live up to that potential.
Governments around the world have reacted cautiously to Trump’s invitation to join the initiative, with diplomats warning that it could damage the work of the United Nations. Rights experts and advocates have also raised concerns that a board overseen by Trump could resemble a colonial-style structure, particularly if it supervises governance in foreign territories.
The White House has already named several individuals who will sit on the board, including Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Trump’s special envoy Steve Witkoff, former British prime minister Tony Blair and Trump’s son-in-law, Jared Kushner. Blair’s involvement has drawn criticism due to his role in the Iraq war and the history of British imperialism in the Middle East.
Trump first proposed the Board of Peace as part of his plan to end the war in Gaza. A UN Security Council resolution adopted in mid-November authorized the board and cooperating countries to establish an international stabilization force in Gaza, where a fragile ceasefire began in October under a Trump-backed plan accepted by Israel and Palestinian militant group Hamas.
Trump has since said the board would be expanded to address conflicts globally. Observers warn that such an expansion could further weaken the authority of the United Nations.
The ceasefire in Gaza remains fragile, with more than 460 Palestinians, including over 100 children, and three Israeli soldiers reported killed since the truce took effect in October.
