By Canadian Press

U.S. President Trump takes to social media to defend hockey legend Wayne Gretzky

Feb 27, 2025 | 7:56 AM

U.S. President Donald Trump has come to Wayne Gretzky’s defence amid criticism from Canadians regarding the hockey legend’s support of Trump and the United States.

On his Truth Social platform, Trump praised Gretzky as “the greatest Canadian” and emphasized his loyalty to Canada.

Trump also stated that he doesn’t want Canadians to turn against Gretzky simply because of their friendship.

“Wayne and Janet, his wonderful wife, love Canada, and they should only support Canada, and whatever else makes the Canadian People, and Governor Justin Trudeau, happy,” Trump wrote on his official account. “He’s the Greatest Canadian of them all, and I am therefore making him a ‘free agent,’ because I don’t want anyone in Canada to say anything bad about him.

“He supports Canada the way it is, as he should, even though it’s not nearly as good as it could be as part of the Greatest and Most Powerful Country in the World, the Good Ole’ U.S.A.!”

Trump has angered many Canadians with threats of stiff tariffs on the country’s trade products and his suggestion of making Canada the “51st state.” He has also frequently mocked Prime Minister Trudeau by calling him “governor.”

The controversy follows Gretzky’s role as Team Canada’s honorary captain at the Four Nations Face-Off. He’s faced criticism in Canada for supporting Trump, including attending his election night party and inauguration.

“Wayne Gretzky is a fantastic guy!” Trump wrote on Truth Social. “They call him, ‘The Great One,’ and he is.

“He could run for any political office in Canada, and win. Wayne is my friend, and he wants to make me happy, and is therefore somewhat ‘low key’ about Canada remaining a separate Country, rather than becoming a cherished and beautiful 51st State, paying much Lower Taxes, a Free and Powerful Military, NO TARIFFS, and having a Booming Economy.”

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Feb. 27, 2025.

The Canadian Press