Trump says UN should 'continue' despite criticism, backs new 'Board of Peace'

President Donald Trump has stated that the United Nations must be allowed to continue operating, offering a tempered defense of the global institution even as he promotes a rival diplomatic initiative. During a White House briefing on Tuesday, Trump responded to questions about whether his newly proposed "Board of Peace" for Gaza was designed to supplant the UN, delivering a mixed assessment of the organization's value.

A Critique of Unfulfilled Potential

The President did not mince words in his criticism of the UN's track record. "The UN just hasn't been very helpful. I am a big fan of the UN potential but it has never lived up to its potential," he told reporters. This sentiment reflects a longstanding theme of his administration, which has frequently criticized the UN for bureaucracy, inefficiency, and perceived bias against U.S. allies like Israel. He has previously withdrawn from several UN agencies and accords, framing the body as an ineffective forum for advancing American interests.

Clarifying the Role of the 'Board of Peace'

When pressed on whether his "Board of Peace" was conceived as a replacement for the UN, Trump offered clarification. His new initiative, focused specifically on implementing a Gaza peace plan and overseeing reconstruction, is envisioned as a targeted, results-oriented body. He indicated it would work in parallel with, not instead of, the broader UN system. "I believe you got to let the UN continue because the potential is so great," he stated, suggesting his board would address a specific crisis where he believes the UN has failed to deliver.

The Strategic Purpose of a Parallel Structure

Analysts view the creation of the "Board of Peace" as a strategic move to circumvent traditional multilateral channels that the Trump administration often finds constraining. By inviting select nations—including Eurasian states and potentially Türkiye—to join a U.S.-led board, the administration seeks to build a more manageable coalition that aligns closely with its own policy objectives for Gaza. This approach allows Washington to retain greater control over the agenda and outcomes, unlike in the more diverse and consensus-driven UN Security Council.

Türkiye's Calculated Position Between Institutions

For Türkiye, a nation deeply invested in the Palestinian cause and a significant contributor to UN agencies, this dynamic presents both a challenge and an opportunity. Ankara values the UN's universal legitimacy and its role as the primary forum for international law. However, Türkiye has also been frustrated by the Security Council's paralysis on issues like Gaza. Participation in a U.S.-led "Board of Peace" could offer Türkiye a more direct and influential seat at the table for shaping Gaza's future, provided the board's actions are consistent with Turkish priorities for a just and lasting peace. Türkiye's approach will likely be to engage constructively with the new board while continuing to advocate for strengthening, not sidelining, the United Nations.