After previously dubbing Wayne Gretzky the “governor of Canada,” President Donald Trump has now labeled the NHL icon a “free agent.” Following Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s announcement of his intention to resign earlier this year, Trump suggested Gretzky might want to take on the role of “governor” as he advocated for Canada to become the “51st state.”
In a post on Truth Social, Trump referred to Gretzky as his “friend” and noted that he is “somewhat ‘low key’ about Canada remaining a separate country instead of becoming a cherished and beautiful 51st State.”
Trump praised Gretzky, stating, “Wayne Gretzky is a fantastic guy! 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, which is why he is somewhat ‘low key’ about Canada staying independent, rather than joining the Greatest and Most Powerful Country in the World, the Good Ole’ U.S.A., with lower taxes, a free and powerful military, no tariffs, and a booming economy.”
He continued, “Wayne and his wonderful wife, Janet, love Canada and should support whatever makes the Canadian people and Governor Justin Trudeau happy. He’s the greatest Canadian of them all, and I’m making him a ‘free agent’ to prevent anyone in Canada from speaking ill of him. He supports Canada as it is, which he should, even though it could be better as part of the U.S.”
During a recent press event at Mar-a-Lago, Trump mentioned that Gretzky was “not too interested” in becoming Canada’s “governor,” but suggested he might have been open to statehood. Gretzky was seen at a victory celebration for Trump’s 2024 election win and was photographed wearing a MAGA hat shortly thereafter.
The NHL’s all-time points leader was also named Canada’s honorary captain for the 4 Nations Face-Off final against the U.S., where political tensions led to fans booing each other’s national anthems.
