US President Donald Trump has revoked Canada’s invitation to join his newly established “Board of Peace,” escalating tensions between the two North American allies.
Trump announced the decision on Thursday via a post on Truth Social, addressing the message directly to Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney. No reason was provided for the move, and Carney’s office did not immediately respond.
Canada had earlier indicated it was willing to join the board in principle but expressed reluctance to pay the $1 billion (£740 million) membership fee required of permanent members, which Trump says is intended to fund the board.
The Board of Peace, which Trump has described as a global body for resolving international conflicts, would grant him broad powers as chairman and a lifetime tenure under its proposed charter.
While initially presented as a mechanism to address the war in Gaza and oversee reconstruction, the charter does not specifically reference Palestinian territories and appears designed to supplant some functions of the United Nations.
According to the White House, around 60 countries have been invited to join, with roughly 35 agreeing so far. Confirmed participants include Argentina, Egypt, Turkey, Saudi Arabia, and Pakistan.
However, none of the permanent members of the UN Security Council—China, France, Russia, or the UK—have committed to joining.
European leaders have expressed concerns about the board’s mandate and governance. European Council President Antonio Costa said the EU has “serious doubts” about its compatibility with the UN Charter, though he added that the bloc remains open to cooperating with the US on Gaza-related initiatives. Spain has formally declined the invitation.
Trump’s decision follows Carney’s address at the World Economic Forum in Davos, in which the Canadian prime minister warned of a potential “rupture” in the US-led global order and called on middle powers to resist economic coercion from larger nations.
Trump subsequently criticised Canada, asserting that the country benefits heavily from the United States and should demonstrate more gratitude.
Responding in Quebec on Thursday, Carney defended Canada’s stance, emphasising national identity and independence. “Canada’s success is rooted in who we are. We thrive because we are Canadians,” he said.
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