Former U.S. President Donald Trump suggests hockey legend Wayne Gretzky for Canadian Prime Minister, sparking a playful political discussion.
At a Glance
- Trump urged Wayne Gretzky to run for Canadian Prime Minister during a Christmas visit
- Gretzky showed no interest in the political role
- Trump jokingly referred to Canada as the “51st state” and Trudeau as “Governor”
- The suggestion comes amid pressure on Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau
- Gretzky has supported various Canadian politicians in the past
Trump’s Playful Suggestion for Canadian Leadership
In a recent social media post, former U.S. President Donald Trump revealed an intriguing conversation he had with hockey icon Wayne Gretzky. Trump shared that he encouraged “The Great One” to consider running for Prime Minister of Canada, adding a touch of his characteristic humor to the political landscape.
Trump’s suggestion came during a Christmas Day visit, which he later shared on his Truth Social platform. The former president’s post quickly caught attention, highlighting his penchant for making bold and often provocative statements about international affairs.
Donald Trump says he urged Wayne Gretzky to run for prime minister in Christmas visithttps://t.co/VODMxrUUSg
— MSN Canada (@MSNca) December 25, 2024
Gretzky’s Political Connections and Trump’s Vision
While Gretzky expressed no interest in stepping into a political role, his past interactions with Canadian politicians have been noteworthy. The hockey legend has shown support for Conservative politicians, including former Prime Minister Stephen Harper, and has even hosted events for former Liberal Prime Minister Pierre Trudeau.
“I just left Wayne Gretzky, ‘The Great One’ as he is known in Ice Hockey circles. I said, ‘Wayne, why don’t you run for Prime Minister of Canada, soon to be known as the Governor of Canada—You would win easily, you wouldn’t even have to campaign.’ He had no interest, but I think the people of Canada should start a DRAFT WAYNE GRETZKY Movement. It would be so much fun to watch!” – Donald Trump
Trump’s suggestion of Gretzky for Prime Minister was accompanied by his recurring jest about Canada potentially joining the United States. He playfully referred to Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau as “Governor” and proposed the idea of Canada becoming the 51st U.S. state.
Canadian Political Landscape and Trump’s Comments
The timing of Trump’s remarks coincides with a period of political tension in Canada. Prime Minister Justin Trudeau faces domestic pressure following the resignation of Deputy Prime Minister Chrystia Freeland. The Liberal Party is trailing significantly in polls, with a December 17 Abacus poll showing 45% support for the Conservative Party compared to 20% for the Liberals.
President-elect Donald Trump unwrapped a Christmas Day flood of reaction after he continued his revived feud with Canada's Prime Minister Justin Trudeau by urging the Canadian people to start a movement to draft hockey legend Wayne Gretzky to replace him. https://t.co/OdbKFhzQ4X
— Raw Story (@RawStory) December 26, 2024
“The Great State of Canada is stunned as the Finance Minister resigns, or was fired, from her position by Governor Justin Trudeau” – Trump
Trump’s comments extend beyond suggesting Gretzky for leadership. He has also mentioned the possibility of imposing a 25 percent tariff on Canada over border security and fentanyl issues. This rhetoric has caught the attention of Canadian officials, who appear more concerned about potential economic impacts than Trump’s annexation jokes.
The Unlikely Prospect of Gretzky in Politics
Despite Trump’s spirited endorsement, the likelihood of Wayne Gretzky entering Canadian politics remains slim. The hockey legend, who holds dual Canadian-U.S. citizenship, has not shown any inclination towards a political career. His appearances at political events, including Trump’s election victory party where he wore a “Make America Great Again” hat, seem to be more about personal connections than political ambitions.
While the idea of Gretzky as Prime Minister may be entertaining to some, it underscores the complex relationship between celebrity, sports, and politics. As Canada navigates its current political challenges, the lighthearted suggestion from south of the border adds an unexpected twist to the ongoing discussions about leadership and governance in the Great White North.
