The BareStory
President Donald Trump has formally withdrawn Canada's invitation to join the newly established "Board of Peace." The announcement, made Thursday via the social media platform Truth Social, was directed at Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney. The move comes shortly after the board was officially launched at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, where representatives from over a dozen countries signed the group’s charter.
The revocation follows days of escalating tension between the two leaders. Earlier in the week at Davos, Prime Minister Carney delivered a speech warning that the world is facing a "rupture" due to the use of economic leverage and the breakdown of international order. Although Carney did not explicitly name the U.S. president, Trump responded by accusing Carney of ingratitude, asserting that Canada "lives because of the United States." Carney subsequently replied that his country thrives because it is Canadian.
Chaired by President Trump, the Board of Peace was initially mandated to oversee the demilitarization and reconstruction of the Gaza Strip following a ceasefire agreement brokered last year. However, the president has hinted at broader ambitions for the group, with some reports suggesting it could function as an alternative to the United Nations. While Canada had previously expressed interest in joining "in principle," officials indicated that operational details remained unclear and stated that Ottawa would not pay for membership.
According to a U.S. official, countries could secure a permanent seat on the board with a $1 billion contribution. The invitation list includes nations such as Russia and China, a decision that has drawn mixed reactions from U.S. allies; the United Kingdom reportedly declined to sign, citing concerns over the inclusion of Russian leadership. The dispute over the board adds to ongoing friction between Washington and Ottawa regarding trade tariffs and defense policies.
How it may affect me
As a U.S. reader:
Increased diplomatic friction over trade tariffs may impact the U.S. economy and cross-border commerce, as existing disputes between Washington and Ottawa regarding economic policies intensify.
The U.S. is steering international policy toward a new body involving Russia and China, while traditional allies like the UK and Canada are excluded or opting out of participation.
The administration’s suggestion that the Board of Peace could replace the United Nations signals a potential long-term shift in how the U.S. funds and manages global stability and security.
U.S.-led efforts to reconstruct Gaza will now operate through this new body, potentially changing how American resources and diplomatic leverage are utilized in the Middle East.
