WASHINGTON/OTTAWA – In a sharp escalation of transatlantic diplomatic tensions, U.S. President Donald Trump announced the immediate withdrawal of Canada’s invitation to join his proposed "Board of Peace," an initiative intended to mediate global conflicts, including the situation in Gaza.
The reversal follows public criticism from Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney during his address at the World Economic Forum in Davos. Carney, who had previously accepted the initial invitation, used his platform to denounce the weaponization of economic integration and the use of tariffs as coercive leverage by powerful states. This critique was interpreted by the Trump administration as a direct challenge to prevailing U.S. trade policy.
President Trump confirmed the decision via a post on Truth Social, directly addressing 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." The move underscores the administration’s sensitivity to multilateral critiques, particularly from traditional allies.
In Davos, Carney received a standing ovation for urging nations to embrace the end of a purely rules-based global order, suggesting that "middle powers" like Canada could collaborate to resist perceived American hegemony. Trump countered this narrative shortly after, reminding Carney in his statement that Canada's economic standing is fundamentally reliant on the United States.
The Board of Peace, officially launched shortly before the invitation was revoked, reportedly requires a $1 billion funding commitment from each permanent member. While the initiative claims endorsement from a United Nations Security Council resolution linked to Trump’s Gaza peace plan, the UN has clarified its engagement is strictly limited to that context. Current confirmed members include Argentina, Bahrain, Morocco, Pakistan, and Turkey, while key European allies such as the U.K., France, and Italy have indicated they will remain on the sidelines for the time being.
The incident highlights a growing divergence in economic philosophy between the U.S. administration and key G7 partners, potentially complicating future multilateral economic and security coordination.
Source: Adapted from reporting by Jasper Ward and Ismail Shakil (Reuters).