President Trump has pulled the plug on Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney’s chance to join a high-profile international panel focused on Gaza’s reconstruction.

Trump announced the decision Thursday via Truth Social, formally withdrawing Canada’s invitation to the “Board of Peace” for the war-torn Gaza Strip.

The move coincided with Carney’s public rebuttal in Quebec City to Trump’s earlier remarks made at the World Economic Forum in Davos. The White House has confirmed Trump’s role as inaugural chairman of the board, with sweeping veto power over membership, including the ability to set terms and fees for nations seeking permanent slots.

The board, expected to include about 30 countries, saw its inaugural ceremony in Davos with representatives from nations like Argentina, Egypt, Saudi Arabia, and Turkey. Some leaders, including France’s Emmanuel Macron and Ukraine’s Zelensky, declined invitations due to concerns over Russian President Vladimir Putin’s inclusion and potential conflicts with U.N. efforts. Trump has described the panel as a historic assembly, with temporary three-year terms offered at no cost, while permanent slots require a $1 billion contribution for Gaza’s rebuilding.

Trump and Carney Clash Over Criticism

The timing of Trump’s revocation raises eyebrows, coming on the heels of Carney’s sharp response to criticism leveled at the Davos forum. Earlier in the week, Trump asserted that Canada’s very existence hinges on U.S. support. Carney fired back in Quebec City, rejecting the notion with a proud defense of national sovereignty.

“Canada doesn’t live because of the United States. Canada thrives because we are Canadian,” Carney declared during his speech Thursday. That kind of talk likely didn’t sit well with a leader known for expecting gratitude from allies.

Trump’s initial comments in Davos framed Canada as a beneficiary of American generosity, hinting at frustration over trade and other imbalances. He even issued a pointed warning to Carney to mind his words in future statements. This public spat seems to have tipped the scales against Canada’s inclusion on the peace board.

Board of Peace Sparks Global Debate

Critics argue that Trump’s unilateral control over the board’s membership, including the hefty price tag for permanent seats, risks turning a humanitarian effort into a geopolitical auction. While the goal of rebuilding Gaza is noble, the exclusion of key players like Canada—based on personal or political disagreements—could undermine the panel’s credibility.

Supporters, however, contend that Trump’s bold leadership is exactly what’s needed to cut through bureaucratic red tape and get results in a region desperate for stability. The inclusion of diverse nations, from Bahrain to Uzbekistan, shows an attempt to build a broad coalition. Why should every country expect a free pass when the stakes are this high?

Carney’s earlier remarks at Davos about a “rupture in the world order” and his call for “middle powers” to unite also didn’t help his case. Such rhetoric might play well with globalist elites, but it’s a risky move when dealing with a leader who prioritizes loyalty and strength in international dealings. It’s hard to see this as anything but a misstep for Canadian diplomacy.

Canada’s Role in Global Affairs Questioned

Trump’s decision to revoke the invitation via a direct Truth Social post, starting with “Dear Prime Minister Carney,” signals a personal edge to the dispute. It’s not just policy—it’s a public dressing-down.

The notion that Canada benefits from U.S. “freebies,” as Trump put it, isn’t new, but it stings when tied to exclusion from a major initiative. For a nation often seen as America’s closest partner, this snub could force a reevaluation of how far independence rhetoric can go without consequences.

Canada’s inability to navigate trade tariffs under Carney’s leadership only adds fuel to the perception of weakness. Are these words worth the cost of being sidelined on a global stage?

What’s Next for Gaza’s Reconstruction Efforts?

The Board of Peace, hailed by Trump as a groundbreaking assembly, still holds promise for Gaza’s future despite the controversy. But with heavyweights like France and Ukraine opting out, and now Canada off the table, the panel’s legitimacy hangs in the balance. Can it deliver without broader buy-in?

For now, the focus shifts to whether other nations will step up—or shell out—for a permanent seat on the board. Trump’s vision of raising billions for Gaza through these contributions is ambitious, but it risks alienating those who see peace as a shared burden, not a paid privilege. The optics of a $1 billion entry fee aren’t exactly inspiring.

Meanwhile, Carney and Canada are left on the sidelines of a critical global effort, a position that could hurt their standing among “middle powers” he so passionately championed. This episode serves as a reminder that in today’s world, words carry weight, and alliances aren’t guaranteed. Will Canada adapt, or double down on defiance?