US President Donald Trump has withdrawn Canada’s invitation to join his newly formed “Board of Peace,” escalating tensions with the northern neighbor after Prime Minister Mark Carney openly criticized disruptions to the US-led global order.
In a post on Truth Social addressed to Carney, Trump stated, “Please let this Letter serve to represent that the Board of Peace is withdrawing its invitation to you regarding Canada’s joining.” The move came just days after Carney, speaking at the World Economic Forum in Davos, warned of a “rupture” in the international system and urged middle powers to unite against coercion from larger nations—remarks widely interpreted as a rebuke of Trump’s foreign policy.
Although Canada had initially signaled it would join the board but not pay the proposed $1 billion membership fee for permanent members, Trump’s decision to revoke the offer appears linked to Carney’s defiant stance. Earlier in the week, Trump had claimed “Canada lives because of the United States” and should be “grateful.” Carney later responded, “Canada thrives because we are Canadians.”
The Board of Peace, unveiled by Trump as a new international conflict-resolution body, grants him wide authority as chairman for life and is viewed by critics as an attempt to sideline the United Nations. While about 35 nations—including Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Qatar, Pakistan, and Hungary—have agreed to join, major powers such as the UK, France, China, and Russia have not committed.
European Council President Antonio Costa expressed “serious doubts” about the board’s scope and governance but indicated willingness to cooperate on implementing a peace plan for Gaza. Several European nations, including Spain, have declined to participate.
The board’s charter makes no specific mention of Gaza, despite initial expectations it would address the Israel-Hamas war, and instead outlines a broader mandate that could overlap with UN functions.
Posts
0 Comments