U.S. Suspends Joint Defense Board with Canada

The United States announced on May 18, 2026, its withdrawal from the Permanent Joint Board on Defense with Canada, citing Canada's failure to meet defense obligations. U.S. Undersecretary of Defense Elbridge Colby stated on social media that the department would halt its involvement to reassess the forum's benefits. This decision impacts a continental defense effort established during World War II.

This suspension follows increased strain in U.S.-Canada relations since U.S. President Donald Trump's second term began in 2025. Colby criticized Canada for not making credible progress on defense commitments, stating, "We can no longer avoid the gaps between rhetoric and reality." This action aligns with the Trump administration's pattern of pressuring Western allies regarding defense spending.

Despite Canada's commitment at a recent NATO summit to increase defense spending to 5 percent of its GDP, with 3.5 percent allocated to core military capabilities, the U.S. maintains its position. Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney, who took office in March 2025, has advocated for reducing Canada's dependence on the U.S. military and economy. The U.S. has also imposed tariffs on Canadian imports, alleging unfair trade practices and insufficient efforts against illicit cross-border traffic.