Trump Revokes Canada's Invitation to Global Peace Board After Critical Davos Remarks
In a significant diplomatic reversal, former President Donald Trump has formally withdrawn an invitation for Canada to participate in his newly established "Board of Peace" initiative. The decision, announced on Thursday, came directly in response to Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney's pointed speech delivered earlier at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland.
Davos Speech Triggers Diplomatic Fallout
Prime Minister Carney used his platform at the prestigious global economic gathering to deliver a forceful critique of powerful nations employing economic integration as strategic weapons and utilizing tariffs as political leverage. His remarks, which received a rare standing ovation from the international audience, explicitly called for nations to acknowledge the conclusion of a rules-based global order.
Carney further elaborated that Canada, having recently finalized a trade agreement with China, could demonstrate how "middle powers" might collaborate effectively to avoid becoming casualties of American hegemony. These comments struck a nerve with the former U.S. president, prompting immediate and public retaliation.
Trump's Direct Response and Official Withdrawal
Trump addressed Carney directly during his own appearance in Davos, stating emphatically that Canada "lives because of the United States" and suggesting the Canadian leader should express gratitude for previous American generosity. "Remember that, Mark, the next time you make your statements," Trump added pointedly.
Hours after these remarks, Trump made the withdrawal official through a post on his Truth Social platform. The message, directed at Carney, stated: "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."
The Board of Peace Initiative and Its Requirements
The Board of Peace, which Trump officially launched on Thursday, was initially conceived to help cement a ceasefire in Gaza. According to Trump's specifications, permanent member nations must contribute substantial financial support, with each country required to provide a payment of $1 billion toward the board's operations.
"Once this board is completely formed, we can do pretty much whatever we want to do," Trump declared in Switzerland. "And we’ll do it in conjunction with the United Nations." The board's establishment received endorsement through a United Nations Security Council resolution as part of Trump's broader Gaza peace proposal.
International Participation and Context
Current member nations confirmed for the Board of Peace include Argentina, Bahrain, Morocco, Pakistan, and Turkey. Notably, several traditional U.S. allies such as Britain, France, and Italy have indicated they will not participate in the initiative at this time.
A United Nations spokesperson clarified that the organization's engagement with the board would be strictly limited to the context of the Gaza peace plan resolution. Neither Carney's office nor the White House provided immediate commentary on the withdrawal when contacted by Reuters on Thursday evening.
The diplomatic incident represents a notable escalation in tensions between the neighboring nations, particularly striking given that Carney's office had confirmed just last week that Canada had received an invitation to serve on the board and intended to accept the position.
