Josh Gruenbaum, a former Wall Street executive, has been a rising star in the Trump administration. But now, he's being forced to take a step back. Gruenbaum will no longer work on key foreign policy issues related to Russia-Ukraine or Iran. Instead, he'll focus on Gaza-related efforts through the Board of Peace, an international organization that aims to promote stability in the Middle East.

The Board of Peace is a new player in the world of international diplomacy. It's led by Donald Trump, who serves as its chair, and includes senior US officials in its leadership. But despite its ties to the Trump administration, the organization is meant to operate independently.

Gruenbaum's role in the administration has been a rapid one. In 2025, he was appointed to lead a key procurement unit at the General Services Administration. He quickly became close to Jared Kushner and Steve Witkoff, working with them on a Gaza ceasefire deal that helped expand his role into broader foreign policy matters.

But Gruenbaum's influence has been waning lately. Sources say he's faced criticism from senior advisers within the administration, who have questioned his working style and approach to internal communications. Despite maintaining support from Kushner and Witkoff, they haven't opposed the decision to scale back his responsibilities.

The move is seen as a step back for Gruenbaum, who had reportedly sought a more formal position within the White House. Instead, he'll continue to advise on Gaza-related matters from outside the White House, serving as a senior adviser at the General Services Administration. The Board of Peace sees Gruenbaum as an important part of its efforts to promote stability and development in the Middle East.