DAVOS / WASHINGTON / OTTAWA — In a dramatic diplomatic twist at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, U.S. President Donald Trump has withdrawn Canada’s invitation to join his newly conceived “Board of Peace” initiative, a high‑profile global body aimed at conflict resolution. The unprecedented move comes amid rising tensions between the United States and Canada, sparked by Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney’s critical speech at the forum and unfolding disagreements over international politics and global governance.
A Board of Peace With Big Ambitions — and Big Controversy
The “Board of Peace” — a U.S.‑led international initiative launched on 22 January 2026 — is envisioned by the Trump administration as a global forum for resolving conflicts and promoting stability, initially tied to efforts in the Gaza Strip and potentially extending to broader diplomatic challenges. More than 50 countries were reportedly invited to participate, with around 25 accepting as of its Davos unveiling.
Trump described the board in Davos as potentially “the most prestigious Board of Leaders ever assembled.” Membership, however, comes with a controversial financial commitment: permanent seats are tied to $1 billion contributions from participating nations, an element that has drawn international scrutiny.
The Diplomatic Spark: Carney’s Davos Speech
The withdrawal of Canada’s invitation followed Carney’s speech at the World Economic Forum, in which he warned of a “rupture in the rules‑based international order” and criticised powerful nations — including the United States — for leveraging economic integration and tariffs as coercive tools in global affairs. While Carney did not explicitly name Trump in the speech, his comments were widely seen as a direct rebuke of U.S. foreign policy and drew a rare standing ovation at the forum.
Trump responded sharply both at Davos and on his social media platform Truth Social, criticising Carney’s remarks and suggesting Canada should be more grateful for U.S. support. At one point, Trump declared that “Canada lives because of the United States,” a comment that drew rebukes from Ottawa.
The Withdrawal: Trump’s Public Letter
On 23 January 2026, Trump posted an open letter on Truth Social directed at Prime Minister Carney rescinding Canada’s invitation to the Board of Peace, stating: “Please let this letter serve to represent that the Board of Peace is withdrawing its invitation to you regarding Canada’s joining… the most prestigious Board of Leaders ever assembled, at any time.” The short message did not elaborate on further diplomatic or strategic reasons.
Canada had earlier indicated it was willing “in principle” to join the board but ruled out paying the $1 billion fee for permanent membership and sought greater clarity on the group’s purpose and governance.
Rising Tensions Between Washington and Ottawa
The Board of Peace dispute is only the latest sign of strained U.S.–Canada relations under Trump’s second term. Over recent months, Trump has imposed tariffs on Canadian goods in key sectors such as steel, aluminium, automotive and lumber, sparking economic tensions between the two neighbours. Trump has also made controversial remarks about Canada’s sovereignty, including at times suggesting it might “become the 51st state,” comments Ottawa has rejected as unfounded.
Upon returning to Canada after Davos, Carney issued firm rebuttals to Trump’s claims of dependency, stating in a national address that “Canada doesn’t live because of the United States. Canada thrives because we are Canadian.” He emphasised Canada’s sovereignty, democratic values and diverse economy as foundations of the country’s success.
International Reaction and Board Composition
While Trump touted the Board of Peace as a future cornerstone of global diplomacy, traditional U.S. allies such as the United Kingdom, France, Germany and Italy have either declined invitations or taken a cautious stance, citing concerns about the board’s structure and its broader implications for the United Nations and existing multilateral efforts. Countries that have publicly joined include Argentina, Bahrain, Morocco, Pakistan and Turkey, and the United Arab Emirates has also formally pledged support.
Canada’s withdrawal raises questions about the initiative’s legitimacy and inclusiveness, particularly as several established diplomatic partners are not participating and as debates grow over whether the board duplicates or undermines existing international institutions.
What Comes Next for U.S.–Canada Relations
The public nature of the dispute — played out in global forums, U.S. social media posts, and national speeches — highlights the degree to which personal diplomacy and rhetoric are influencing state relationships. Analysts say the incident could accelerate Ottawa’s efforts to diversify alliances and trade partnerships beyond the United States, reinforcing Canada’s emphasis on middle‑power diplomacy and multilateral engagement.
For its part, the United States maintains that the Board of Peace represents a bold new chapter in conflict resolution and global leadership, but its ability to attract broad international participation — particularly from Western democracies — remains uncertain.
A Symbol of Shifting Global Dynamics
The withdrawal of Canada’s invitation to the Board of Peace is more than a bilateral spat: it reflects broader debates over global governance, multilateral institutions and the balance of power in the post‑pandemic world. As both countries navigate these diplomatic headwinds, the incident underscores how geopolitical strategy increasingly intersects with leadership personalities and public diplomacy in shaping international alliances.
7 years in the field, from local radio to digital newsrooms. Loves chasing the stories that matter to everyday Aussies – whether it’s climate, cost of living or the next big thing in tech.
