Trump Envoy Josh Gruenbaum Shifted Away From Russia-Ukraine, Iran Policy to Focus on Gaza

Russian President Vladimir Putin greet US President Donald Trump's envoys Steve Witkoff, centre left, Jared Kushner, second right and Josh Gruenbaum, the head of the Federal Acquisition. Josh Gruenbaum, a former adviser to Jared Kushner and Steve Witkoff, will no longer work with them on key foreign policy issues related to Russia-Ukraine or Iran, according to Politico. Gruenbaum will now focus only on issues related to Gaza Strip through an organisation called the Board of Peace. The group is described as an international body intended to operate independently of the US government, although it includes links to the administration. According to sources, Gruenbaum's responsibilities on foreign policy have been reduced and he will now work exclusively on Gaza-related efforts through the Board of Peace. The organisation is being set up to function separately, even though Donald Trump serves as its chair and senior US officials are part of its leadership. A White House spokesperson said Gruenbaum "will continue to advance the President's agenda of enhancing global stability" in his new role. Gruenbaum, a former Wall Street executive had seen a rapid rise within the Trump administration. In January 2025, he was appointed to lead a key procurement unit at the General Services Administration and later became closely associated with Kushner and Witkoff. He initially worked with them on a Gaza ceasefire deal finalised in October 2025, which helped expand his role into broader and more sensitive foreign policy matters. His influence peaked earlier this year when he was part of a high-level meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin at the Kremlin. Internal concerns and shift in role However, officials said Gruenbaum recently fell out of favour with several senior advisers within the administration. Concerns were raised about his working style and his approach to internal communications. Despite maintaining support from Kushner and Witkoff, they did not oppose the decision to scale back his responsibilities. New position seen as step back Gruenbaum will continue to advise on Gaza-related matters but will do so from outside the White House. He is also serving as a senior adviser at the General Services Administration. According to sources, the new role is seen as moving him away from the core centres of power in Washington. He had reportedly sought a more formal position within the White House. A spokesperson for the Board of Peace said Gruenbaum remains an important part of efforts aimed at promoting stability and development in the Middle East. Background and earlier work Gruenbaum was part of a group of officials linked to businessman Elon Musk who were brought into the administration to help reform federal procurement systems. That effort slowed after Musk stepped back from his role in Washington. His career in government drew attention earlier this year due to his quick transition from a technical administrative role to involvement in high-level international diplomacy. While his responsibilities have now been reduced, Gruenbaum is expected to remain involved in Gaza-related initiatives through the Board of Peace.