Trump-Carney Rift Deepens: US Removes Canada From Gaza Peace Board/ Newslooks/ WASHINGTON/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ President Trump has revoked Canada’s invitation to join the Gaza “Board of Peace.” The move follows Canadian PM Mark Carney’s public rebuke of Trump’s comments at Davos. Tensions rise as U.S.-Canada relations sour ahead of key trade agreement review.
Canada Dropped from Gaza Peace Board – Quick Looks
- Trump disinvites Canada from “Board of Peace” after Davos spat
- PM Mark Carney had rejected Trump’s claim that “Canada lives” because of U.S.
- Carney asserts Canadian independence, values, and international leadership
- Canada, U.K., and France decline to join Trump’s Gaza governance plan
- Trump posted a map showing Canada, Greenland, and Cuba as U.S. territory
- U.S.-Canada relations strained ahead of USMCA trade review
- Trump criticizes Canada for “freebies” and demands gratitude
- Carney promotes Canada as global model of democracy and diversity
- California Gov. Gavin Newsom defends Carney, criticizes Trump’s foreign policy
- Commerce Secretary Lutnick dismisses Carney’s Davos speech as whining
Deep Look: Trump Revokes Canada’s Invitation to Gaza Peace Board Amid Escalating Diplomatic Clash
WASHINGTON (Jan. 23, 2026) — President Donald Trump has officially rescinded Canada’s invitation to join his administration’s high-profile “Board of Peace” initiative, in a move that marks a dramatic escalation in tensions between the two North American allies.
The withdrawal, announced via Trump’s social media on Thursday night, came in response to Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney’s public rebuke of the president’s comments at the World Economic Forum in Davos, where Trump claimed “Canada lives because of the United States.”
Carney swiftly pushed back, declaring:
“Canada doesn’t live because of the United States. Canada thrives because we are Canadian.”
Trump-Carney Relationship Breaks Down
The rift highlights growing divisions between Canada’s liberal leadership and Trump’s administration, which have clashed over immigration, trade, and foreign policy priorities.
In his message, Trump addressed Carney directly:
“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.”
The Gaza-focused “Board of Peace” was initially introduced to manage post-war governance efforts between Israel and Hamas, but Trump has since expanded its mission to promote U.S.-led peace solutions globally.
Western Allies Decline to Join
Canada is not alone in distancing itself from the plan. Both France and the United Kingdom have refused to participate, with U.K. Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper citing Trump’s decision to invite Vladimir Putin as a major concern.
Canada’s snub reflects broader skepticism among traditional U.S. allies, many of whom view Trump’s unilateral foreign policy approach with increasing alarm.
Carney: “Canada Will Remain a Beacon of Democracy”
Upon returning from Davos, Carney continued to reinforce Canada’s independence and values-driven diplomacy, delivering a rousing speech during a cabinet retreat in Quebec City.
“We are masters in our home. This is our own country,” he said.
“We can show the world that democracy, pluralism, and justice still matter.”
He added that Canada must lead by example during a time of rising populism and authoritarianism.
“You don’t have to be born rich, or a certain color, or worship a certain god to thrive in Canada. It’s the greatest country in the world to be a regular person,” Carney declared.
Trump: “Canada Gets Freebies, Should Be Grateful”
Trump, meanwhile, doubled down on his criticism of Canada. Speaking aboard Air Force One, he accused Canada of benefiting from “freebies” provided by the U.S. and said Carney’s speech at Davos revealed a lack of gratitude.
He also unveiled a digitally altered map on social media, showing Canada, Greenland, Venezuela, and Cuba as annexed U.S. territory — a provocative gesture that sparked further outrage in Ottawa.
Trump also claimed that Canada is eager to join “Golden Dome”, a multibillion-dollar U.S. missile defense program, but must “show respect” if it wants a seat at the table.
Carney’s Trade Pivot and China Deal Raise Eyebrows
Carney has actively sought to reduce economic dependence on the United States, including a recent trade mission to China where he brokered a deal to import low-cost electric vehicles, bypassing American auto makers and supply chains.
This has further fueled Trump’s frustrations, as the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) faces a mandatory review later this year, potentially jeopardizing one of Trump’s signature trade accomplishments.
Newsom and Others Rally Behind Canada
California Governor Gavin Newsom, a leading Democratic voice, voiced strong support for Carney and condemned Trump’s foreign policy as reckless and isolating.
“Carney had the courage of his convictions. He stood up,” Newsom said at Davos.
“We in America need to call this out with clarity. We’re watching alliances built over 80 years crumble.”
Newsom praised Carney’s message of multilateralism and dignity, emphasizing that the global order is at stake if Western democracies don’t act decisively.
U.S. Business Leaders React Coldly
Not everyone welcomed Carney’s remarks. U.S. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick dismissed Carney’s speech in an appearance on Bloomberg TV, saying:
“They have the second-best trade deal in the world, and all I hear is whining.”
Despite tensions, the Canadian Prime Minister has not backed down, positioning Canada as a counterweight to U.S. populism and promising to champion democratic ideals globally.
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