In a dramatic escalation of U.S.-Canada relations, President Donald Trump has abruptly withdrawn an invitation for Canada to join his newly launched Board of Peace. The announcement came via a post on Truth Social, directed at Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney, signaling deepening rifts between the North American neighbors.
Trump’s post stated that the Board of Peace had decided to rescind the invitation extended to Canada, though he offered no specific reasons for the reversal. This move follows recent sharp exchanges, including Trump’s controversial remark at the World Economic Forum in Davos where he claimed, ‘Canada is alive because of the United States.’
Prime Minister Carney swiftly rebutted the statement, emphasizing Canada’s independent strength. ‘Canada and the United States have built a remarkable partnership in economy, security, and cultural exchange,’ Carney said. ‘But Canada is not alive because of America. Canada thrives because we are Canadian.’
The Board of Peace, Trump’s initiative aimed at fostering global stability, has already attracted commitments from 25 out of 60 invited nations. Notable joiners include Israel, Bahrain, Morocco, Argentina, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Bulgaria, Hungary, Indonesia, Jordan, Kazakhstan, Kosovo, Pakistan, Paraguay, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Turkey, United Arab Emirates, Uzbekistan, Belarus, Egypt, Vietnam, and Mongolia. Eight Islamic countries are among the participants, highlighting the board’s diverse coalition.
Trump had also extended an invitation to Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi for involvement in the next phase of the Israel-Hamas ceasefire in Gaza, but India has yet to respond officially, with its foreign ministry indicating ongoing deliberations. Major powers like France, Britain, China, Germany, Sweden, and Norway skipped the signing ceremony, while others including Germany, Italy, Paraguay, Russia, Slovenia, Turkey, and Ukraine remain non-committal.
Membership in the board is limited to a three-year term, with permanent status reportedly requiring a $1 billion contribution. As U.S.-Canada frictions simmer, Trump’s decision underscores the fragile geopolitics at play, potentially reshaping alliances in unexpected ways.