Josh Gruenbaum, a former adviser to Jared Kushner and Steve Witkoff, will no longer work with them on major foreign policy issues related to Russia-Ukraine or Iran, according to Politico.Gruenbaum will now focus solely on issues related to the Gaza Strip through an organization called the Peace Board. The group has been described as an international body intended to operate independently of the US government, although it does include 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 Peace Board. The organization is being set up to function separately, even though Donald Trump is its president 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 overseen a rapid rise within the Trump administration. In January 2025, he was appointed to lead a major procurement unit in the General Services Administration and subsequently became closely associated with Kushner and Witkoff.He initially worked with them on the Gaza ceasefire agreement finalized in October 2025, helping expand their role into broader and more sensitive foreign policy matters.His influence was at its peak earlier this year when he was part of a high-level meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin in the Kremlin.
Internal concerns and role changes
However, officials said Gruenbaum has recently fallen out of favor 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, he did not oppose the decision to reduce his responsibilities.
The new situation is being seen as a retreat
Gruenbaum will continue to advise on Gaza-related matters but will do so from outside the White House. He also serves as a Senior Advisor in the General Services Administration.According to sources, the new role is being seen as a move away from the main centers of power in Washington. He reportedly sought a more formal position within the White House.A spokesman for the Peace Board 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 executives linked to businessman Elon Musk who were brought into the administration to help reform federal procurement systems. The effort slowed after Musk stepped back from his role in Washington.His career in government gained attention earlier this year due to his quick transition from a technical administrative role to involvement in high-level international diplomacy.Although his responsibilities have now been reduced, Gruenbaum is expected to remain involved in Gaza-related initiatives through the Peace Board.
