Trump floats replacing United Nations with new ‘Board of Peace,’ says ‘they failed to stop wars’

WASHINGTON, DC: Donald Trump reignited debate over the future of global diplomacy on Tuesday after suggesting that his newly formed “Board of Peace” could potentially replace the United Nations, an institution he has long criticized as ineffective and bloated.

Speaking to reporters in Washington, Trump said the new body “might” take the place of the UN, arguing that existing international structures have failed to prevent wars or bring lasting peace to conflict zones around the world.

Trump criticizes United Nations while promoting Board of Peace

Donald Trump framed the Board of Peace as a pragmatic alternative to what he described as an outdated international system. The initiative was announced as part of his broader diplomatic push to end the Israel–Hamas war in Gaza, a conflict that has drawn intense global scrutiny and divided international institutions. 

“The United Nations has not been able to stop wars,” Trump said, adding that the new board would be made up of “strong leaders who actually get things done.”

“The UN should have settled every one of the wars that I settled. I never went to them, I never even thought to go to", he added.

While Trump stopped short of formally declaring the United Nations obsolete, his remarks signaled a sharp rebuke of the organization, which has served as a cornerstone of global diplomacy since its founding in 1945.

World leaders react cautiously to Trump’s new peace initiative

As part of the rollout, Trump sent invitations this week to several world leaders to serve on the Board of Peace, including Russian President Vladimir Putin, a move that immediately raised eyebrows among Western allies.

The response from global leaders has been mixed. French President Emmanuel Macron publicly declined the invitation, citing uncertainty over the board’s authority, mandate, and long-term purpose.

UN rejects Trump’s Board of Peace proposal

Donald Trump’s suggestion that the Board of Peace could replace the United Nations was swiftly rejected by senior UN officials.

Speaking earlier Tuesday, January 20, Tom Fletcher, the UN’s top humanitarian official, dismissed the idea outright during an interview with CNN’s Becky Anderson.

“I’m clear and my colleagues are clear that the United Nations isn’t going anywhere,” Fletcher said, emphasizing that while reforms may be needed, the organization remains central to global humanitarian and diplomatic efforts.

The Board of Peace emerged from negotiations surrounding the Israel–Hamas conflict, which has claimed thousands of lives and displaced large portions of Gaza’s population. According to the president, the board is intended to function as a new international oversight body.