Trump Suggests Gretzky Isn’t Keen on Canada Joining the U.S. as 51st State
In a recent post on Truth Social, former U.S. President Donald Trump weighed in on theensitive topic of Canada potentially becoming the 51st state of the United States. Trump revealed that his friend, hockey legend Wayne Gretzky, is not entirely on board with the idea. Despite their differing views, Trump emphasized that their friendship remains strong. The former president expressed concerns that Canadians might turn against Gretzky due to their friendship, following backlash over Gretzky’s perceived slight towards Canada during the 4 Nations Face-Off hockey final.
Gretzky’s Controversial Moment at the 4 Nations Face-Off
Wayne Gretzky, often hailed as “The Great One,” found himself in the spotlight for reasons beyond his hockey prowess. During the recent 4 Nations Face-Off final between Canada and the U.S., Gretzky, serving as Team Canada’s honorary captain, was seen giving a thumbs-up to American players while appearing to give less acknowledgment to the Canadian team. Additionally, he opted not to wear a Canada jersey during the pregame ceremony, instead dressed in a blue suit, vest, and tie. This subtle gesture did not go unnoticed by viewers and fans, sparking criticism in Canada, particularly regarding his association with Trump.
Trump’s Vision for Canada as the 51st State
Donald Trump has long floated the idea of Canada becoming the 51st state, touting potential benefits such as lower taxes, a free and powerful military, no tariffs, and a booming economy. In his Truth Social post, Trump suggested that Gretzky might prefer a “low key” approach toCanada’s sovereignty, possibly hinting at support for the annexation idea. However, Trump also made it clear that he respects Gretzky’s love for Canada and his priority to keep Canadian people and Governor Justin Trudeau happy. This marks a shift from Trump’s earlier playful suggestions that Gretzky could become Canada’s “governor.”
Backlash and Public Reaction in Canada
The controversy surrounding Gretzky has sparked significant backlash in Canada, particularly given his public support for Trump. Gretzky’s attendance at Trump’s election night party and inauguration has drawn criticism, with many questioning his political leanings. In Edmonton, where Gretzky’s legacy as a hockey legend is deeply cherished, a petition has emerged to change the name of Wayne Gretzky Drive, a street named in his honor in 1999. The petition, which has garnered over 10,000 signatures, reflects the shifting public sentiment towards Gretzky amidst his perceived alignment with Trump’s views.
Gretzky’s Silence on Trump’s Annexation Talk
Despite the furor, Wayne Gretzky has remained notably silent on Trump’s suggestions about Canada’s sovereignty and the idea of becoming the 51st state. Neither has he addressed the backlash following his actions at the 4 Nations Face-Off. This silence has only fueled speculation and debate among fans and political commentators alike. Gretzky’s lack of public statement on these contentious issues leaves many wondering about his stance and whether he intends to address the criticism anytime soon.
Conclusion: Friendship and Politics Intersect
In summary, the friendship between Donald Trump and Wayne Gretzky has become a focal point of political discourse, highlighting the intersection of sports, celebrity, and politics. While Trump continues to muse about Canada’s potential future as part of the United States, Gretzky’s perceived alignment with these ideas has led to significant public backlash. Despite this, Trump has emphasized that their friendship remains intact, respecting Gretzky’s loyalty to Canada. As the situation continues to unfold, it remains to be seen how Gretzky will navigate this complex landscape of sports legacy and political scrutiny.
