Trump rescinds Canada’s invitation to join the Board of Peace

US President Donald Trump has rescinded his invitation to Canada to join his 'Board of Peace' initiative. He made the decision on Thursday (January 22). The decision was made shortly after Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney's speech in Davos. On the World Economic Forum (WEF) stage, Carney criticized powerful countries, saying that they were using economic ties as weapons and using tariffs as a tool to create pressure.

Then, in a post on his social media platform Truth Social, Trump wrote to Carney, "This letter is to inform you that the Board of Peace is withdrawing its invitation to include Canada. This is going to be the most prestigious board of leaders in history." Neither the Canadian Prime Minister's Office nor the White House immediately responded to Reuters' request for comment on Thursday night.

Earlier last week, Carney's office said that he had been invited to join the board and that he planned to accept it. Meanwhile, Carney received a rare standing ovation after his speech in Davos. He said the era of the rules-based global system was ending and that countries must accept this reality. He added that Canada’s recent trade deal with China could show how “middle powers” ​​can work together to avoid falling victim to US hegemony.

In response, Trump said, “Canada is here because of the United States.” He told the Davos audience that Carney should be grateful for the US’s generosity. “Remember, Mark — remember that the next time you speak,” Trump added to Carney.

Reuters reports that the decision to withdraw Canada’s invitation came within hours of the official launch of the Peace Board. The main purpose of the board was to maintain the ceasefire in Gaza. Trump said that each of the permanent members of the board would have to be funded with $1 billion. In Switzerland, Trump said, “Once this board is fully formed, we can do almost anything we want. And we will do that in coordination with the United Nations.’

The board was approved by a UN Security Council resolution as part of Trump’s Gaza peace plan. UN spokesman Rolando Gomez said the UN would only work with the board within the framework of that resolution.

Argentina, Bahrain, Morocco, Pakistan and Turkey have already joined the board. However, close US allies Britain, France and Italy have said they will not join for now.

Reuters