The decision came after Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney sharply criticized U.S. global influence during a speech at the World Economic Forum in Davos, warning against powerful nations using economic integration and tariffs as tools of geopolitical leverage.
U.S. President Donald Trump has heightened tensions with Canada, claiming the country “lives because of the United States” and subsequently withdrawing Ottawa’s invitation to join his newly launched Board of Peace initiative.
The move came after Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney sharply criticized U.S. global influence during a speech at the World Economic Forum in Davos, warning against powerful nations using economic integration and tariffs as tools of geopolitical leverage.
In a Truth Social post directed at Carney, Trump formally announced the reversal, 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.”
Trump’s decision followed confirmation from Carney’s office that the Canadian leader had been invited to serve on the board and intended to accept. Speaking in Davos, Trump dismissed Canada’s position on global trade and security, emphasizing what he described as America’s decisive role in the country’s survival.
He told listeners, “Canada lives because of the United States. Remember that, Mark, the next time you make your statements,” directly addressing Carney.
The withdrawal came just hours after Trump officially launched the Board of Peace, an initiative aimed at cementing a ceasefire in Gaza. Trump said permanent members are required to contribute $1 billion each to fund its operations, adding, “Once this board is completely formed, we can do pretty much whatever we want to do. And we’ll do it in conjunction with the United Nations.”
A U.N. Security Council resolution linked to Trump’s Gaza peace plan endorsed the board’s establishment, though U.N. spokesperson Rolando Gomez said engagement would be limited strictly to that framework.
Carney, meanwhile, received a standing ovation in Davos after urging nations to accept the end of a rules-based global order. He argued that Canada, which recently signed a trade deal with China, could show how “middle powers” might cooperate to avoid being dominated by American influence.
Current members of the Board of Peace include Argentina, Bahrain, Morocco, Pakistan, and Turkey. Several U.S. allies, including Britain, France, and Italy, have indicated they will not join the initiative for now.