U.S. President Donald Trump has withdrawn Canada’s invitation to join his newly constituted ‘Board of Peace,’ marking a sharp escalation in tensions between the two North American neighbors. The move came just days after Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney delivered a speech at the World Economic Forum in Davos that criticized economic coercion by global powers, prompting a retaliatory response from Trump.
In a post on Truth Social on Thursday evening, Trump formally revoked the offer, addressing Carney directly and stating that the Board of Peace was withdrawing its invitation to Canada. This decision followed Carney’s address in Davos, where he warned of a ‘rupture’ in the U.S.-led international order and urged middle powers to band together against coercion from larger nations. Although Carney did not mention Trump by name, the U.S. president took offense, later remarking that ‘Canada lives because of the United States’ and should be grateful.
The Board of Peace, chaired by Trump, was initially conceived to oversee the demilitarization and reconstruction of Gaza after the two-year war between Israel and Hamas. However, its proposed charter does not explicitly mention Gaza and appears designed to supplant functions of the United Nations, with Trump serving as chairman for life. The board requires permanent members to pay a $1 billion membership fee, which Canada had indicated it would not contribute, though it was willing to join on principle.
International reaction to the board has been mixed, with several U.S. allies expressing reservations. European Union leaders, including European Council President Antonio Costa, have voiced serious doubts about the board’s scope, governance, and compatibility with the UN Charter. However, Costa indicated that the EU is ready to work with the U.S. on implementing a peace plan for Gaza through the board as a transitional administration.
Meanwhile, other countries have been cautious or rejected the invitation. The United Kingdom has held off joining due to concerns over the inclusion of Russian President Vladimir Putin, whose forces are engaged in Ukraine. France has stated that the charter is ‘incompatible’ with its international commitments, and Spain has declined to participate. So far, about 35 of the 60 invited nations have signed up, including countries like Argentina, Turkey, Egypt, and Saudi Arabia, but none of the other permanent UN Security Council members have committed.
The withdrawal of Canada’s invitation underscores the deteriorating relationship between the U.S. and Canada under Trump’s second term. Trump has frequently targeted Canada with tariffs and referred to it as the U.S.’s ’51st state,’ while Carney has sought to strengthen ties with other nations, including a recent agreement with China to reduce tariffs and increase trade. This latest spat highlights the growing divide in North American diplomacy.
Looking ahead, the incident raises questions about the future of the Board of Peace and its role in global conflict resolution. With key Western allies hesitant, the board’s effectiveness and legitimacy may be limited. Carney, responding to Trump’s withdrawal, asserted that ‘Canada thrives because we are Canadians,’ emphasizing national resilience. The ongoing tensions suggest that U.S.-Canada relations will remain strained, potentially impacting economic and security cooperation in the region.
In conclusion, Trump’s decision to disinvite Canada from the Board of Peace reflects broader geopolitical shifts and the challenges of maintaining alliances in an era of increasing nationalism. As the board moves forward, its ability to address complex international issues will depend on securing broader support and navigating the diplomatic fallout from such disputes.
