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Trump withdraws Canada's invite to 'Board of Peace'
US President Donald Trump has revoked Canada's invitation to join his newly formed Board of Peace, escalating diplomatic friction with Ottawa. The decision was announced via a post on Truth Social late Thursday, addressed to Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney.
Canada's stance on membership fees
Canada had previously signaled willingness to join the board but refused to pay the $1 billion membership fee demanded by Trump for permanent members. Ottawa confirmed last week it would accept the invitation in principle, though recent statements indicated financial terms were a sticking point.
Board's purpose and global reception
Trump's Board of Peace is marketed as a new international body for conflict resolution, with Trump serving as lifelong chairman. The White House claims 35 of 60 invited nations have signed on, including Argentina, Belarus, Morocco, and Saudi Arabia. However, no other UN Security Council permanent members-China, France, Russia, or the UK-have committed.
The board's charter makes no mention of Gaza, despite initial expectations it would focus on the Israel-Hamas war. Critics argue its design appears intended to replace UN functions.
EU and allies express skepticism
European leaders voiced doubts about the board's governance and compatibility with the UN Charter. European Council President Antonio Costa, speaking after an EU summit in Brussels, called the charter's scope and structure into question but said the bloc remains open to collaborating with the US on Gaza's reconstruction under a transitional administration.
Spain's Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez confirmed his country had declined the invitation, while France labeled the current charter "incompatible" with its international obligations. The UK cited concerns over Russian President Vladimir Putin's inclusion, given Moscow's ongoing war in Ukraine.
Diplomatic spat with Canada
Trump's decision follows a public exchange with Prime Minister Carney. At the World Economic Forum in Davos, Carney warned of a "rupture" in the US-led global order and urged middle powers to resist economic coercion-remarks that drew a rare standing ovation. Trump retaliated by accusing Canada of benefiting from US generosity, telling Carney, "Canada lives because of the United States."
"Canada doesn't live because of the United States. Canada thrives because we are Canadians."
Mark Carney, Prime Minister of Canada
Carney's rebuttal came during a speech in Quebec on Thursday, hours before Trump's withdrawal of the invitation.
Next steps
The White House has not commented on the timing or rationale behind Trump's decision. Carney's office has yet to issue a formal response. Observers note the spat reflects broader strains in US-Canada relations under Trump's second term, including trade disputes and diverging foreign policy priorities.
