Former U.S. President Donald Trump rescinded an invitation to Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney to join his proposed “Peace Board” on Thursday evening. The decision, announced via Trump’s account on Truth Social, comes amid escalating diplomatic tensions between Washington and Ottawa.
A Withdrawn Invitation
“Dear Prime Minister Carney: Please be advised that the Peace Board hereby withdraws its invitation to you regarding Canada’s adhesion,” Trump wrote. He had previously presented the Peace Board as an international forum intended to facilitate conflict resolution, claiming it already has the support of at least 35 heads of state and government.
Rising Tensions
The withdrawal follows a period of public disagreement. During the World Economic Forum in Davos, Carney voiced concerns about coercion exerted by major powers over smaller nations and described a “rupture” in the U.S.-led global governance system. Trump responded by stating, “Canada lives off of the United States,” and urging Carney to remember this in future statements. Carney countered, asserting, “Canada does not live off of the United States. Canada prospers because we are Canadians.”
Further escalating the situation, Trump reiterated previous claims about Canada potentially becoming the “51st state” and shared an altered map depicting Canada, Greenland, Venezuela, and Cuba as part of the United States.
Differing Perspectives on Sovereignty
Carney departed from Davos early to address the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas. In a speech delivered in Quebec, he emphasized the importance of defending Canadian values and preserving national sovereignty. He stated, “Canada must be a beacon, an example for a world adrift,” and highlighted the strength of Canada’s diverse society.
U.S. Secretary of Commerce Howard Lutnick dismissed Carney’s criticisms, stating, “They have the second-best deal in the world and all I have to do is listen to this guy complain and protest.” Canada is currently protected from the most severe U.S. tariffs under the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA), which is scheduled for mandatory review this year.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the “Peace Board” proposed by Donald Trump?
According to Trump, the “Peace Board” is an international forum intended to resolve conflicts, with the support of at least 35 heads of state and government.
Why did Trump withdraw the invitation to Mark Carney?
Trump withdrew the invitation following public disagreements with Carney regarding Canada’s relationship with the United States and Carney’s criticisms of global governance.
What is the USMCA?
The USMCA, or United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement, is a trade agreement that currently protects Canada from the most severe U.S. tariffs, but is scheduled for review this year.
As the situation unfolds, it remains to be seen whether this diplomatic rift will impact broader trade negotiations or lead to further strained relations between the two countries. It is possible that both sides will attempt to de-escalate tensions, or that the disagreement could deepen, potentially affecting the upcoming USMCA review.
