US President Donald Trump has withdrawn an invitation for Canada to join his newly constituted Board of Peace, escalating tensions between the two North American nations.
Trump Revokes Canada’s Board of Peace Invitation
“Please let this Letter serve to represent that the Board of Peace is withdrawing its invitation to you regarding Canada’s joining,” Trump said on Truth Social in a post addressed to Prime Minister Mark Carney.
Carney recently made headlines warning of a potential “rupture” in the US-led global order. Ottawa had also stated it would not contribute financially to join Trump’s new organization.
The board, which grants Trump extensive decision-making authority as chairman, is presented by the US as a new international body for conflict resolution.
Trump did not provide a reason for revoking Canada’s offer in his Thursday evening post.
Carney’s office has not yet responded. The prime minister had previously indicated a willingness to accept Trump’s invitation in principle.
However, Ottawa signaled in recent days that it would not pay the $1 billion (£740m) membership fee Trump has proposed for permanent members to fund the board.
Board’s Aims and Membership
The Board of Peace was initially envisioned as a means to help end the two-year war between Israel and Hamas in Gaza and oversee reconstruction efforts. However, its proposed charter does not mention the Palestinian territory and appears intended to replace functions currently handled by the United Nations. Trump would serve as chairman for life.
According to the White House, approximately 60 nations have been invited to join the board, with around 35 already signing up.
Nations that have agreed to participate include Argentina, Belarus, Morocco, Vietnam, Pakistan, Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Kosovo, Hungary, Egypt, Turkey, Qatar, Jordan, Indonesia and Saudi Arabia.
None of the other permanent members of the UN Security Council – China, France, Russia, and the UK – have committed to participation so far.
Recent US-Canada Disputes
Carney reportedly angered Trump with a speech delivered at the World Economic Forum in Davos, which received a standing ovation. The prime minister urged “middle powers” to unite against economic coercion from “greater powers,” without directly naming the US president.
Trump responded at the same gathering, stating that Canada receives numerous “freebies” from the US and “should be grateful.” He added, “Canada lives because of the United States. Remember that, Mark, the next time you make your statements.”
On Thursday, Carney countered Trump’s remarks during a speech in Quebec, stating, “Canada doesn’t live because of the United States. Canada thrives because we are Canadians.”
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