President Donald Trump revoked Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney's invitation to join his Board of Peace on January 22, capping days of escalating tensions between the two leaders that played out publicly at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland.

"Dear Prime Minister Carney," Trump wrote on Truth Social. "Please let this Letter serve to represent that the Board of Peace is withdrawing its invitation to you regarding Canada's joining, what will be, the most prestigious Board of Leaders ever assembled, at any time."

Trump did not explain his reasoning in the post, but the announcement followed a heated exchange of remarks between the two leaders at the Davos forum. The decision marks a new low in relations between the United States and Canada, traditionally among America's closest allies, and comes amid ongoing disputes over tariffs, trade, and Trump's repeated suggestions that Canada should become the 51st U.S. state.

The Davos Exchange

The rift between Trump and Carney erupted into public view during the World Economic Forum, where both leaders delivered high-profile speeches that drew international attention.

On Tuesday, Carney delivered remarks that garnered a rare standing ovation from the Davos audience. Without naming Trump or the United States directly, the Canadian prime minister described what he called "a rupture in the world order" and urged "middle powers" to band together against coercion by larger nations.

"Every day we're reminded that we live in an era of great-power rivalry," Carney said. "That rules-based order is fading. That the strong can do what they can, and the weak must suffer what they must."

Carney warned that countries caught between major powers face a choice: "compete with each other for favor or to combine to create a third path with impact." He added, "Middle powers must act together because if we're not at the table, we're on the menu."

Trump responded the following day during his own Davos address, directly challenging the Canadian leader's remarks.

"Canada gets a lot of freebies from us," Trump told the forum audience. "By the way, they should be grateful also, but they're not. I watched your prime minister yesterday. He wasn't so grateful—they should be grateful to us, Canada."

Trump then delivered a pointed message to Carney: "Canada lives because of the United States. Remember that, Mark, the next time you make your statements."

Carney's Response

Upon returning to Canada, Carney pushed back against Trump's characterization of the relationship between the two nations.

"Canada and the United States have built a remarkable partnership, in the economy, in security, and in rich cultural exchange," Carney wrote on social media. "But Canada doesn't 'live because of the United States.' Canada thrives because we are Canadian."

Speaking at a cabinet retreat in Quebec City, Carney elaborated further. "We are masters in our home, this is our own country, it's our future, the choice is up to us," he said.

The prime minister also appeared to position himself as a counterweight to Trump's approach to international affairs. "We can show that another way is possible, that the arc of history isn't destined to be warped toward authoritarianism and exclusion; it can still bend toward progress and justice," Carney said.

Canada had initially expressed interest in joining the Board of Peace after receiving an invitation last week. However, Carney had questioned how the $1 billion membership fee for permanent seats would be spent and said Canada "wants money to have maximum impact."

He also raised concerns about humanitarian conditions in Gaza. "We still do not have unimpeded aid flows, humanitarian aid flows at scale to the people in Gaza," Carney said. "That is a precondition for moving forward on this."

The Board of Peace

Trump formally unveiled the Board of Peace at a signing ceremony in Davos on January 22, describing it as "the most prestigious board ever formed." Originally conceived to oversee the ceasefire in Gaza, the initiative has expanded in scope to address other international conflicts.

Under the board's charter, Trump serves as inaugural chairman with extensive executive powers, including the ability to veto decisions and remove members. He can hold the position for life. The White House has named Secretary of State Marco Rubio, special envoy Steve Witkoff, Trump's son-in-law Jared Kushner, and former British Prime Minister Tony Blair to the founding executive board.

Approximately 60 nations received invitations to join, with around 35 agreeing to participate. Permanent membership requires a $1 billion contribution, while temporary three-year terms are free. The funds are intended to support reconstruction efforts in Gaza.

Representatives from 19 countries attended the signing ceremony in Davos, including Bahrain, Morocco, Argentina, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Bulgaria, Egypt, Hungary, Indonesia, Jordan, Kazakhstan, Kosovo, Mongolia, Pakistan, Paraguay, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Turkey, the United Arab Emirates, and Uzbekistan. Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban and Argentine President Javier Milei were among the leaders present.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu accepted an invitation to join, though no Israeli representatives attended the ceremony. Russian President Vladimir Putin and Chinese leaders have also received invitations but have not publicly stated whether they will accept.

International Hesitation

Several Western nations have declined or hesitated to join the Board of Peace, citing various concerns.

France, Norway, and Sweden have turned down invitations. Italy's economy minister said joining a body led by one country's leader would violate Italy's constitution. The United Kingdom has declined to participate in the signing ceremony, with Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper citing concerns about Putin's invitation.

Some European leaders have expressed worry that the board could undermine the United Nations as the world's primary peace-seeking institution. Trump has suggested the board could eventually replace some U.N. functions, though he has also said the international body should continue "because the potential is so great."

Canadian human rights groups welcomed the revocation of their country's invitation. The National Council of Canadian Muslims said "it is a relief that Canada is no longer welcome" on the board, arguing the initiative "makes a mockery of Palestinian self-determination."

The tensions between Trump and Carney extend beyond the Board of Peace dispute. Trump has repeatedly threatened tariffs on Canadian goods and suggested annexing Canada into the United States. Those actions have prompted Canadian boycotts of American products and opened what observers describe as the most serious rift between the neighboring countries in two centuries.