Trump withdraws Canada’s invitation to join ‘Board of Peace’ after spat with PM Mark Carney
Washington: US President Donald Trump on Friday withdrew Canada’s invitation to join his newly launched “Board of Peace”, days after publicly criticising Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney at the World Economic Forum (WEF) in Davos.
In a post on Truth Social, Trump announced the decision in a blunt message addressed to Carney. “Dear Prime Minister Carney: Please let this Letter serve to represent that the Board of Peace is withdrawing its invitation to you regarding Canada's joining, what will be, the most prestigious Board of Leaders ever assembled, at any time. Thank you for your attention to this matter,” he wrote.
Board of Peace launched at Davos
The move comes a day after Trump formally signed the charter launching the Board of Peace at the WEF, calling it a major step towards resolving global conflicts.
Calling it a "very exciting day, long in the making", Trump said, "We're going to have peace in the world,” adding that his administration was settling eight wars and making progress toward ending the Russia-Ukraine conflict.
Trump has repeatedly described the body as potentially the “most prestigious board ever formed.”
Canada-US tensions at WEF
Earlier this week, Trump sharply criticised Carney during his WEF address, accusing Canada of being insufficiently grateful to the US.
“Canada gets a lot of freebies from us, by the way. They should also be grateful, but they're not,” Trump said, adding that US defence plans like the proposed “Golden Dome” missile shield would also protect Canada.
“Canada lives because of the United States. Remember that, Mark, the next time you make your statements,” Trump added.
Carney, in his own Davos speech, warned that the world is entering an era of great power rivalry and criticised the use of tariffs and economic coercion, in what was seen as a veiled reference to Washington’s policies.
What is the Board of Peace?
The Board of Peace was first proposed by Trump last year as part of his plan to end the Gaza conflict but has since expanded into a broader global peace initiative. The body aims to mediate conflicts and oversee post-conflict reconstruction, particularly in West Asia.
US officials said around 35 countries have committed to join, while 60 nations received invitations. Trump has also suggested the board could eventually take on roles currently handled by the United Nations.
Diplomatic fallout
Canada’s removal from the initiative signals growing tensions between Washington and Ottawa, following sharp exchanges between Trump and Carney over global security, trade policies and multilateral cooperation at Davos.