President Donald Trump faced backlash after a gaffe during a press interaction aboard Air Force One on January 22, 2026. While returning to Washington from the World Economic Forum in Switzerland, Trump referred to himself as the “president of peace” but mistakenly stated that “peace is so destructive for everyone.” This comment drew immediate criticism and humor on social media.
During the press conference, Trump was discussing the new Board of Peace, an initiative aimed at overseeing the reconstruction of Gaza following recent conflicts. As part of this initiative, Trump mentioned that nations would need to contribute a fee of $1 billion to secure a position on the board. He noted that while some countries had already pledged the required amount, others had contributed even more, emphasizing the substantial financial stakes involved.
Trump stated, “And that’s a lot of money, but it’s nothing compared to the value of peace.” However, his ensuing comment, which described peace as “destructive,” quickly overshadowed the discussion. He clarified his intent, indicating that war significantly impacts all nations, even those not directly involved.
The president’s comments did not go unnoticed on social media. Accounts like Patriot Takes shared reactions to his statement, highlighting the contrast between his title of peace advocate and his remarks about its destructiveness. The phrase “Man who begged for peace prize: ‘Peace is so destructive’” became a point of discussion among users, sparking various humorous comments and memes.
Critics took to platforms like Twitter to express their amusement and disbelief. One user remarked, “He’s bored of peace,” while another suggested, “Drop him off in northern Iceland, I mean Greenland,” referencing Trump’s previous interest in purchasing Greenland.
Despite the gaffe, Trump’s administration continues to push forward with its peace initiatives, aiming to stabilize the region and facilitate reconstruction efforts. The mixed responses to his comments reflect ongoing public sentiment regarding his foreign policy approach, particularly in relation to the Middle East.
As debates around peace efforts continue, Trump’s remarks serve as a reminder of the complexities and sensitivities surrounding international relations and conflict resolution.
