Trump Withdraws Canada’s Board of Peace Invitation
Trump has withdrawn Canada’s invitation to his newly formed Board of Peace, escalating tensions following comments made by Prime Minister Mark Carney.
US President Donald Trump has rescinded Canada’s invitation to participate in his newly established “Board of Peace,” heightening tensions between the two North American allies.
On Thursday, Trump posted on Truth Social, stating that the board was withdrawing its invitation to Canada, and he directed the message specifically to Prime Minister Mark Carney. Trump did not provide an explanation for the decision, and Carney’s office has yet to respond.
Canada had earlier indicated its willingness to accept the invitation in principle; however, it made it clear that it would not pay the $1bn (£740m) membership fee that Trump claims is required from permanent members. The fee aims to support the board, which Trump has characterized as a new international entity for addressing global conflicts.
The Board of Peace bestows extensive decision-making authority upon Trump as chairman, with the intention of allowing him to retain the role for life according to its proposed charter. The charter, once believed to concentrate on concluding the conflict in Gaza and managing reconstruction efforts, notably omits any reference to the Palestinian territory and seems intended to supplant certain roles of the United Nations.
The White House has announced that approximately 60 countries have received invitations to join the board, with about 35 having agreed to participate thus far. These comprise Argentina, Egypt, Turkey, Saudi Arabia, and Pakistan. None of the other permanent members of the UN Security Council—China, France, Russia, or the UK—have pledged to participate.
Concerns have been raised by European leaders regarding the scope and governance of the board. European Council President Antonio Costa expressed that the EU harbored “serious doubts” regarding its alignment with the UN Charter, while also indicating the bloc’s readiness to collaborate with the US on initiatives related to Gaza. Spain has officially stated that it has declined the invitation entirely.
Trump’s decision follows Carney’s speech at the World Economic Forum in Davos, where he cautioned about a potential “rupture” in the US-led global order and encouraged middle powers to stand against economic coercion from larger nations. Trump subsequently expressed criticism towards Canada, stating that it derives significant benefits from the US and ought to show greater appreciation.
While addressing an audience in Quebec on Thursday, Carney remarked that Canada’s success is deeply connected to its national identity, stating that the nation “thrives because we are Canadians.”
