DAVOS, Switzerland — President Donald Trump has rescinded an invitation for Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney to join his newly formed “Board of Peace,” intensifying an ongoing diplomatic feud between the two leaders.
Trump announced the move Thursday on his Truth Social platform, writing: “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. Thank you for your attention to this matter!”
The White House did not provide further explanation for the disinvitation, which comes after repeated public clashes over Trump’s controversial statements about Canada and its sovereignty. Earlier this week, Trump reignited tensions by suggesting Canada’s existence is dependent on the United States, a comment Carney sharply rejected. “Canada doesn’t live because of the United States. Canada thrives because we are Canadian,” Carney said.
The Canadian government had tentatively agreed in principle to join the Board of Peace but clarified that it would not pay the voluntary $1 billion membership fee required for permanent participation. Canadian Finance Minister François-Philippe Champagne emphasized that “Canada is not going to pay if we were to join the Board of Peace.”
Trump launched the advisory board during the World Economic Forum in Davos, framing it as a global assembly of influential leaders. While some democracies, including Argentina and Indonesia, are participating, several key U.S. allies have declined the invitation. Britain expressed concern over the inclusion of Russian President Vladimir Putin, while French officials warned that the board could undermine international institutions like the United Nations.
In addition to diplomatic pushback from traditional allies, the board includes several authoritarian states, such as Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, and Hungary, which have drawn criticism for their human rights records.
Canada’s exclusion highlights ongoing tensions in U.S.-Canada relations under Trump, fueled by the president’s prior proposals and rhetoric regarding Canadian territory and sovereignty. The move also underscores the challenges of Trump’s unconventional approach to international diplomacy, which has drawn scrutiny from allies and global institutions alike.
