President Donald Trump said late Thursday that Canada is no longer invited to join his “Board of Peace,” escalating tensions with Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney after a sharp exchange in Davos.
Trump announced the move in a Truth Social post addressed to Carney. He said the newly launched Board of Peace was “withdrawing its invitation” for Canada to join.
“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 wrote.
Trump did not explain the decision, but it came after days of sparring between the two leaders at the World Economic Forum in Switzerland. In a Davos speech Monday, Carney criticized great powers for coercing smaller countries, without naming Trump. He warned that countries not “at the table” could end up “on the menu.”
Trump hit back in his own Davos remarks Wednesday, criticizing Carney and Canada.
“Canada lives because of the United States,” he said, adding that the country should be more grateful. “Remember that, Mark, the next time you make your statements,” he added.
Carney responded after returning to Canada, saying Thursday that Canada does not “live because of the United States” but “thrives because we are Canadian.”
About two hours later, Trump posted that the invitation was being withdrawn.
Canadian officials had signaled the nation was open to joining the Board of Peace in principle. But they said they would not pay $1 billion for a permanent seat. Carney also said Canada’s participation would depend on humanitarian aid flowing to Gaza.
Trump launched the Board of Peace at a signing ceremony in Davos earlier Thursday. The White House sent invitations to at least 50 countries, and more than two dozen have accepted, while some U.S. allies have declined or stayed noncommittal. The administration has tied the board to Gaza, but Trump has pointed to a broader mission, and it remains unclear how it will operate.
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