US President Donald Trump has withdrawn an invite for Canada to join his newly constituted Board of Peace, in the latest spat between the North American neighbours.
Please let this Letter serve to represent that the Board of Peace is withdrawing its invitation to you regarding Canada's joining, Trump said on Truth Social in a post addressed to Prime Minister Mark Carney, who made headlines this week when he warned of a rupture in the US-led global order.
Canada had indicated that while it would not pay to be on the board, it would join. Meanwhile, EU chief Antonio Costa said European leaders have serious doubts about the scope of the board, but were willing to work with the body in Gaza.
The board, which gives Trump wide decision-making powers as chairman, is being billed by the US as a new international organisation for resolving conflicts. Trump did not provide a reason for the decision to revoke Canada's offer on Thursday evening.
Canada's Prime Minister Mark Carney had previously hinted he would accept Trump's invite on principle, but Ottawa clarified that it would not cover the $1bn membership fee Trump has set for permanent members to fund the board.
Trump's Board of Peace was initially seen as a potential facilitator for resolving the two-year conflict between Israel and Hamas in Gaza and overseeing reconstruction efforts.
With around 60 nations receiving invites, only 35 have signed up to participate, including several countries from various regions. Notably, key UN Security Council members like China, France, Russia, and the UK have not committed to joining the board due to various reservations.
After a recent speech that earned a standing ovation at the World Economic Forum, Carney appeared to have irked Trump. He emphasized the need for unity among middle powers against economic coercion from larger nations.
Trump's reaction followed with comments suggesting Canada benefits significantly from its relationship with the US, leading to further tensions between the two dignitaries.
