US President Donald Trump has officially rescinded an invitation for Canada to become a member of his newly formed Board of Peace, marking yet another chapter in the ongoing tensions between the two North American countries.
In a post on Truth Social, Trump stated, “Please let this Letter serve to represent that the Board of Peace is withdrawing its invitation to you regarding Canada’s joining,” addressing Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney directly. This decision comes shortly after Carney’s ominous remarks about a potential “rupture” in the US-led global order, coupled with Ottawa’s announcement that it would not pay the substantial membership fee associated with Trump’s initiative.
Details of the Board of Peace
The Board of Peace, described by the US as a new international organization aimed at conflict resolution, grants Trump substantial authority as its chairman. Although the board’s primary mission appears to focus on de-escalating the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas in Gaza, its charter notably omits any reference to the Palestinian territories, suggesting a possible effort to replace certain UN functions.
Trump’s post did not clarify his reasons for withdrawing the invitation to Canada. In contrast, Carney’s office has yet to release a statement regarding the matter, despite the Prime Minister indicating last week that he was inclined to accept the invitation based on principle. However, Canada has expressed reluctance to contribute to the $1 billion (£740 million) membership fee that Trump has introduced for permanent members.
International Reactions and Implications
According to sources from the White House, around 60 nations have been invited to join the Board of Peace, with approximately 35 already committing to participate. Countries that have expressed their willingness to join include Argentina, Belarus, Morocco, Vietnam, and Saudi Arabia, among others. Notably, none of the other permanent members of the UN Security Council—China, France, Russia, and the UK—have yet signaled their intent to engage with the board.
The recent friction between Carney and Trump was further exacerbated by Carney’s impactful speech at the World Economic Forum in Davos, where he called on other middle powers to unite against economic pressures from larger nations. Although he did not directly mention Trump, his remarks appeared to provoke a response. In a rallying address in Davos, Trump pointed out that Canada benefits from various “freebies” from the United States, emphasizing the need for gratitude from Canadian leadership.
“Canada lives because of the United States,” Trump remarked. “Remember that, Mark, the next time you make your statements.”
In a response delivered in Quebec, Carney countered Trump’s assertion, declaring: “Canada doesn’t live because of the United States. Canada thrives because we are Canadians.”