President Donald Trump has abruptly withdrawn Canada’s invitation to join his newly formed “Board of Peace,” escalating tensions with one of America’s closest allies after pointed remarks by Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney on the global stage.
The move came Thursday, just days after Carney used a high-profile speech at the World Economic Forum in Davos to warn against rising authoritarianism and to urge smaller and middle-power nations to stand together in defense of the post–World War II international order. While Carney never mentioned Trump by name, his message was widely interpreted as a direct challenge to the U.S. president’s “America First” worldview.
Within hours of Trump’s decision, the White House made it clear that Canada was no longer welcome at the table.
“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,” Trump wrote in a public social media post addressed to Carney.
From invitation to rejection
Canada had received its invitation to the Board of Peace only last week, and officials in Ottawa initially indicated Carney was inclined to accept. That position shifted quickly after reports emerged that countries seeking permanent membership would be required to pay more than $1 billion, and after several Western leaders — including France’s President Emmanuel Macron — chose not to participate.
Carney soon distanced himself from the initiative altogether, signaling skepticism about both its structure and its broader implications for global governance.
Trump offered no official explanation for rescinding Canada’s invitation. But the timing left little doubt that Carney’s speeches in Davos played a decisive role. The former central banker had called on “middle powers” like Canada to band together, warning that nations absent from decision-making tables risk becoming targets rather than partners.
“If we’re not at the table,” Carney said, “we’re on the menu.”
A familiar pattern
Trump’s reaction fits a pattern seen throughout both of his presidencies: public defiance by foreign leaders is often met with swift retaliation. During his first term, he imposed punitive tariffs on Canada following a Canadian television ad that quoted Ronald Reagan criticizing tariffs. The relationship never fully recovered.
Since returning to office, Trump has taken an even more confrontational stance toward America’s northern neighbor. He has reignited trade disputes, openly mused about Canada becoming the 51st U.S. state, and repeatedly accused Canadian leaders of taking advantage of American security and economic support.
Those tensions are now spilling into public opinion. Canadian tourism to the United States has dropped sharply, and boycotts of American goods have gained momentum across the country.
What is the Board of Peace?
Trump originally pitched the Board of Peace as a body to oversee the Gaza ceasefire and reconstruction efforts following the Israel–Hamas war. Since then, the initiative has expanded dramatically in scope — and controversy.
Under its draft charter, Trump serves as chairman with sweeping authority. He can veto decisions, set agendas, invite or expel members, dissolve the board, and even name his successor. Critics argue the structure resembles a personal power base more than a traditional international institution.
Supporters say it represents a bold alternative to what Trump views as slow, ineffective multilateral organizations like the United Nations. Critics see it as a direct challenge to the rules-based international system.
Among those invited to join are Russia, Belarus, China, Israel, Ukraine, Vietnam, France, Germany, and several smaller states. The executive board includes Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Trump’s son-in-law Jared Kushner, special envoy Steve Witkoff, and other political and business figures.
Strains deepen between neighbors
Trump’s decision to publicly snub Canada marks another low point in U.S.–Canada relations and raises new concerns about the future of the USMCA trade agreement, which underpins supply chains across North America. The pact, negotiated during Trump’s first term, is due for renegotiation — a process now clouded by political hostility.
Speaking in Davos a day after Carney’s remarks, Trump took a direct shot at the Canadian leader.
“I watched your prime minister yesterday. He wasn’t so grateful,” Trump said. “Canada lives because of the United States. Remember that, Mark, the next time you make your statements.”
Carney responded firmly in a national address Thursday evening.
“Canada and the United States have built a remarkable partnership — in the economy, in security, and in culture,” he said. “But Canada doesn’t live because of the United States. Canada thrives because we are Canadian.”
A broader signal
Beyond Canada, the episode has sent a clear message to other nations weighing whether to join Trump’s Board of Peace: dissent may come at a cost.
Unlike traditional international bodies, where disagreement is expected and often encouraged, the Board of Peace appears to operate on a different logic — one centered on loyalty to its founder.
For Canada, the withdrawal may prove politically useful at home, reinforcing Carney’s message of independence and sovereignty. For Trump, it underscores his vision of a world order shaped less by consensus and more by leverage.
And for the rest of the world, it raises an increasingly urgent question: is the Board of Peace meant to complement global diplomacy — or replace it on Trump’s terms?
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