Trump Withdraws Canada’s Invitation to New Board of Peace

U.S. President Donald Trump has rescinded an invitation for Canada to join his newly established Board of Peace. In a post on his Truth Social platform addressed to Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney, Trump stated, “Please let this Letter serve to represent that the Board of Peace is withdrawing its invitation to you regarding Canada’s joining.” This decision follows Carney’s impactful speech at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, where he received a standing ovation for his comments that seemingly criticized Trump.

The Board of Peace is promoted as an international organization aimed at conflict resolution, granting Trump significant decision-making authority as its chairman. According to the board’s charter, Trump can only be replaced through voluntary resignation or a unanimous decision by the Executive Board due to incapacity. Initially, the board was thought to target the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas in Gaza, yet its charter does not specifically mention this issue, which raises questions about its intended purpose.

Trump expressed that the Board of Peace has the potential to be one of the most influential bodies ever established, emphasizing his “enormous honour” to serve as its leader. He noted that the board would complement the United Nations, framing both organizations as capable of creating a unique partnership for global peace.

The membership structure of the board requires each participating nation to serve a term of no more than three years. However, those contributing over $1 billion may secure permanent membership. The White House Rapid Response account clarified that this contribution is not a minimum fee but rather a demonstration of a country’s commitment to peace and security.

Approximately 60 nations have been invited to join the Board of Peace, with around 35 already signing up. Countries such as Argentina, Belarus, Morocco, Vietnam, Pakistan, and Saudi Arabia have committed to the board. Yet, Canada and other permanent members of the UN Security Council, including China, France, Russia, and the United Kingdom, have not joined. Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez confirmed that Spain has declined the invitation.

Concerns regarding the board have emerged, particularly in the UK, where reservations exist about including Russian President Vladimir Putin, given the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. France has described the board’s charter as “incompatible” with its international responsibilities related to UN membership. The President of the European Council, Antonio Costa, acknowledged European leaders’ uncertainties about the board’s scope but expressed readiness to collaborate with the U.S. and the newly formed organization on issues in Gaza.

The founding executive of the board includes notable figures such as Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Trump’s special envoy Steve Witkoff, Jared Kushner, former British Prime Minister Tony Blair, and Ajay Banga, President of the World Bank. As the Board of Peace takes shape, its impact on international relations and conflict resolution remains to be seen.