IN FLIGHT - JANUARY 22: U.S. President Donald Trump speaks to reporters on board Air Force One while flying in between Ireland and Washington as he returns from the World Economic Forum on January 22, 2026. Following a meeting with NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte, Trump announced a deal with European leaders on the semi-autonomous Danish territory of Greenland during the annual meeting of political and business leaders in Davos. (Photo by Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images)
President Donald Trump faced criticism following a misstatement during a press conference aboard Air Force One on January 22, 2026. Returning from the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, he referred to himself as the “president of peace” but mistakenly claimed that “peace is so destructive for everyone.”
Trump’s comment came while he was discussing the newly established Board of Peace, which is designed to oversee his administration’s reconstruction efforts in Gaza following recent conflicts. During the press conference, reporters inquired about the financial commitments required from countries wishing to join the board. Trump noted that nations must contribute $1 billion to secure a position, stating, “Some of the countries have already put up a billion. Some of the countries have already put up much more than that. And that’s a lot of money, but it’s nothing compared to the value of peace.”
In the midst of his remarks, the president made the controversial statement that “peace is so destructive for everyone, even countries that aren’t involved.” He quickly attempted to clarify his point by asserting that war is damaging to all parties, but the initial gaffe prompted immediate backlash on social media.
Critics were quick to seize the opportunity to highlight the contradiction in Trump’s phrasing. A social media account named Patriot Takes tweeted, “Man who begged for peace prize: ‘Peace is so destructive.’” Other commentators echoed the sentiment with various reactions, including “He’s Bored of Peace” and “Freud has nothing to do with that comment!”
Trump’s comments have sparked discussions not only about the implications of his words but also about the broader context of his administration’s approach to international relations. As the president continues to navigate complex geopolitical landscapes, this incident may reflect ongoing tensions between rhetoric and reality in diplomatic efforts.
Despite the swift public reaction, the administration’s plans for the Board of Peace remain in motion, with Trump emphasizing the importance of reconstruction and stability in Gaza. The board’s establishment is seen as a pivotal step in addressing the humanitarian needs in the region, although the president’s comments have overshadowed this initiative.
As the political landscape evolves, the implications of Trump’s statements will likely continue to resonate, both domestically and internationally. The juxtaposition of his self-proclaimed title and the controversial remark raises questions about the effectiveness of his administration’s peace-building efforts.
