Hockey icon Wayne Gretzky has faced criticism from fellow Canadians for his perceived support of President Donald Trump. The former president has sparked controversy in Canada by suggesting it should become the “51st state” and imposing tariffs on Canadian products. Ahead of the 4 Nations Face-Off championship between the U.S. and Canada in Boston, Gretzky was appointed as Canada’s honorary captain, which led to backlash.
This prompted fellow Canadian hockey legend Bobby Orr to express his disappointment in a column for the Toronto Sun, where he defended Gretzky, calling him one of the “greatest Canadians ever.” Orr questioned the fickleness of public opinion, stating, “How fickle can people be, when someone who has given so much time and effort to Canadian hockey is treated in such a way? We all have our personal beliefs regarding religion and politics. Wayne respects your right to such beliefs – why can’t you respect his?”
Janet Gretzky, Wayne’s wife, responded to Orr’s column on social media, expressing gratitude for his support. She wrote, “Thank you Mr. Bobby Orr. Your words mean the world to Wayne and his family. I have never met anyone who is prouder to be a Canadian, and it has broken his heart to read and see the mean comments. He would do anything to make Canadians proud, with his love for hockey and his country.”
Despite her post, the criticism continued. One user remarked, “You can’t be a great Canadian if you support Trump, who is trying to destroy Canada; it’s that simple.” Another added, “Written from one Trumper for another. If Wayne is so proud, maybe he should make a public statement denouncing your friend’s call to annex his homeland. Thanks would speak louder than anything a fellow Trumper could write about him.”
Recently, Trump claimed he had asked Gretzky to become the next “governor of Canada” following Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s announcement of his resignation. However, after Gretzky affirmed his support for “Canada remaining a separate country, rather than becoming a cherished and beautiful 51st State,” Trump labeled him a “free agent.” Trump stated, “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.!”
Gretzky was also seen at a victory celebration for Trump’s 2024 election win and was photographed wearing a MAGA hat shortly thereafter, having attended Trump’s inauguration.