US President Donald Trump has officially withdrawn Canada’s invitation to join his newly formed “Board of Peace” following a diplomatic spat, marking a significant escalation in tensions between the North American neighbors after a week of sharp public exchanges.
President Trump announced the move on Truth Social in a post addressed directly to Prime Minister Mark Carney on Thursday. “Please let this Letter serve to represent that the Board of Peace is withdrawing its invitation to you regarding Canada’s joining,” Trump stated.
The move follows Carney’s recent warnings at the World Economic Forum regarding a “rupture” in the US-led global order. While Canada previously indicated it would join the board, the nation refused to pay the $1 billion membership fee. Consequently, Trump revoked the offer without providing a specific reason, though he previously claimed Canada receives too many “freebies.”
Global Skepticism Grows
The Board of Peace grants Trump wide decision-making powers as chairman for life, effectively aiming to supplant several UN functions. However, European leaders remain hesitant about the board’s scope even as they offer to collaborate on reconstruction efforts in Gaza.
EU chief Antonio Costa expressed these reservations following a summit in Brussels. “We have serious doubts about a number of elements in the charter of the Board of Peace related to its scope,” Costa noted. Nevertheless, he clarified that the EU is “ready to work together with the US on the implementation of the comprehensive Peace Plan.”
The friction intensified after Carney urged “middle powers” to unite against economic coercion by greater powers during his Davos speech. Trump responded by asserting that Canada only survives because of US support and told Carney to remember that fact.
“Canada doesn’t live because of the United States. Canada thrives because we are Canadians,” Carney retorted during a Quebec appearance. Currently, thirty-five nations have signed the charter, but major powers like the UK and France continue to voice serious concerns. As a result, the board’s future as a replacement for the United Nations remains a subject of intense international debate.
