Board of Peace: Trump withdraws Canada’s Invitation

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Washington: U.S. President Donald Trump announced on Thursday that Canada will no longer be invited to participate in his newly launched international “Board of Peace” initiative, a dramatic reversal that has heightened diplomatic tensions between Washington and Ottawa. The decision was made public shortly after a controversial speech by Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, where he criticised aspects of the current global order.

 In a message on his social media platform, Truth Social, Trump addressed Carney directly, saying: “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.”

 The Board of Peace unveiled by Trump at the World Economic Forum is presented by the White House as a new global forum aimed at supporting conflict resolution efforts, starting with the Gaza ceasefire and reconstruction process. Member countries that have publicly committed to participate include Argentina, Bahrain, Morocco, Pakistan and Turkey, among others, though several traditional U.S. allies, including France, the United Kingdom and Italy, have yet to sign on.

 Canada’s potential role in the board had been uncertain. Ottawa previously indicated it was considering Carney’s invitation “in principle,” but also signalled it would not pay the $1 billion contribution Trump has touted for permanent membership and that key details about the board’s structure, financing and operations remained unresolved.

 Carney’s address at Davos, in which he spoke of a “rupture” in the rules-based international order and urged middle powers to push for more equitable diplomacy, appeared to underscore the differences that emerged between the two leaders. In response, Trump made remarks suggesting Canada’s prosperity depends on the United States, a comment that drew sharp rebuttals from Ottawa.

 The move to rescind Canada’s invitation highlights broader strains in U.S.–Canada relations, especially around trade, global governance and diplomatic strategy, and raises questions about the future direction and credibility of the Board of Peace initiative as it seeks to expand its membership and define its mission.