Trump Revokes Canada's Invitation Amid Payment Dispute

Post by : Bianca Suleiman

Former President Donald Trump has officially withdrawn the invitation extended to Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney to join the anticipated “Board of Peace.” This decision intensifies the ongoing tensions between the two leaders.

The announcement was made late Thursday night, following the Canadian government’s firm stance that it would not contribute financially to the new initiative, which Trump portrays as an influential platform designed to mitigate global conflicts.

On his social media outlet, Truth Social, Trump communicated this development in straightforward terms, stating that the Board of Peace was retracting its invitation to Canada, which he described as “the most renowned Board of Leaders ever assembled, at any time.”

This altercation is the latest in a series of escalating verbal disputes between Washington and Ottawa, initiated earlier this week at the World Economic Forum in Davos. At that event, Carney attracted international attention with his remarks about a “rupture” in the US-led, rules-based global order, emphasizing that middle powers like Canada must recognize the shifting landscape of global politics, where “compliance” can no longer ensure immunity from pressures exerted by major powers.

Trump's rebuttal came swiftly the following day, in which he mocked Carney, stating, “Canada exists because of the United States. Keep that in mind, Mark, when you deliver your remarks.”

In response, Carney dismissed Trump’s assertion on Thursday, stating, “Canada doesn’t merely survive due to the United States; we thrive because we are Canadian.”

This exchange illustrates the widening chasm in political dialogue between the two leaders, even as Canada and the United States continue to be each other’s closest trading partners and longstanding allies.

What is the 'Board of Peace'?

Originally envisioned as an organization to oversee the reconstruction of war-ravaged Gaza, the “Board of Peace” aims to extend its efforts far beyond. According to the charter shared with invited nations, the body is designed to foster stability, restore lawful governance, and guarantee lasting peace in regions afflicted or threatened by conflict.

The charter also states that the board's peace-building activities will be conducted in accordance with international law, without limiting its focus to Palestinian territories.

Despite the lofty ambitions articulated, several nations have approached the proposal with skepticism. Canada's refusal to fund its participation seems to have triggered Trump's decision to retract the invitation.