US President Donald Trump has withdrawn the invitation extended to Canada to join the 'Board of Peace'. This decision comes only days after Prime Minister Mark Carney delivered a speech at Davos where he expressed strong views on the issue, without directly naming Trump. Carney warned against the US tariff strategy.
Irked by the speech, Trump took to Truth Social on Thursday night (US time), stating, 'Dear Prime Minister Carney, please consider this letter as notice of the withdrawal of Canada's invitation to join the Board of Peace.'
Last week, Carney mentioned his interest in joining the board but highlighted the decision was pending due to the fee conditions. Countries are required to pay a billion-dollar fee to secure a permanent seat on the board.
Carney Criticized Trump's Tactics at Davos
Addressing the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, this week, Carney urged the world's 'middle powers' to unite against the pressure exerted by larger forces.
Aiming at the US, he remarked, 'Superpowers are now wielding trade as a tool of coercion, using tariffs as weapons of pressure, exploiting weaknesses in the financial system, and unfairly taking advantage of supply chain vulnerabilities.'
Although he didn't mention any country by name, Trump wasn't one to hold back. During the same forum, he responded, 'Canada only thrives because of America. Mark, remember that the next time you make a statement.'
Hours before Carney’s speech, Trump had posted an altered map on social media depicting Greenland, Venezuela, and Canada draped with the American flag.
Carney also remarked in his speech that the 'rules-based international order' has effectively reached its end, with global superpowers using trade as a tool for advancing their agendas.
In his speech, Carney took a jibe at Europe as well, stating, 'In the age of America’s dominance, Western countries have turned a blind eye to the disparity between words and actions.'
Trump Once Called Canada the 51st State
In Trump’s second term, the relationship between the US and Canada has grown tense. Trump has referred to Canada as the 51st state of the US and has imposed tariffs on it.
The 'Board of Peace' was initiated for the reconstruction of Gaza, devastated by the Israel-Hamas conflict, and for overseeing its governance. Trump heads this board and has stated it could become an alternative to the United Nations in the future, causing concern among many of America’s allied nations.
Trump has garnered support from Middle Eastern countries like Turkey, Egypt, Saudi Arabia, and Qatar, as well as emerging economies like Indonesia. However, some of America’s allies, including Australia, France, Germany, and Italy, have adopted a cautious stance, with some outright rejecting the proposal. India has yet to respond to the proposal.
