Donald Trump Says Wayne Gretzky 'Wants To Make Me Happy' Amid Backlash

Former President Donald Trump has come to the defense of Wayne Gretzky as the Canadian hockey legend faces increasing criticism in his home country. Trump stated that Gretzky "just wants to make me happy" amid mounting backlash over his public support for the former president.

In a Truth Social post on Wednesday, Trump urged Canadians not to turn against Gretzky, who also holds American citizenship. The controversy stems from Gretzky's appearance at the recent 4 Nations Face-Off final and his perceived association with Trump.

Criticism of Gretzky has intensified against the backdrop of rising political tensions between the U.S. and Canada. Trump has threatened to impose a 25 percent tariff on Canadian imports and has repeatedly suggested that Canada could become the 51st U.S. state.

Gretzky, often regarded as the greatest hockey player of all time, has drawn heightened scrutiny for his support of Trump, particularly as the former president continues to suggest Canada could be annexed.

In his post, Trump praised Gretzky and his wife, Janet Jones Gretzky, emphasizing their love for Canada. He also suggested that Gretzky had been "low-key" in advocating for Canada’s independence out of respect for Trump, a stance that has reportedly frustrated many Canadians.

The backlash intensified during the February 20 final of the 4 Nations Face-Off tournament between Canada and the U.S. Gretzky, serving as Canada's honorary team captain, was seen giving a thumbs-up to American players and opted for a blue suit instead of Canadian colors.

This followed his attendance at a 2024 election victory celebration at Trump’s Mar-a-Lago resort, where he was seen wearing a white "Make America Great Again" hat. He and his wife also attended Trump’s inauguration in 2017.

Shortly after Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced his resignation, Trump claimed that Gretzky had asked him whether he should run for "prime minister or governor," fueling speculation about the hockey star’s stance on Trump's vision for Canada as a U.S. state.

A petition to rename Wayne Gretzky Drive in Edmonton, Alberta, has since gained traction, accumulating over 9,800 signatures. The petition argues that Gretzky’s support for Trump is at odds with Canada’s sovereignty. The roadway, formerly known as Capilano Drive/Capilano Freeway, was renamed in 1999 in honor of Gretzky's contributions to the Edmonton Oilers.

Donald Trump on Truth Social:

"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, 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. 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.

"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 ol' U.S.A.!"

Keith Olbermann on Bluesky:

"The Man Without A Country, Wayne Gretzky, has clearly pleaded with Trump to take some of the heat off him among Canadians who are justifiably p**** at Gretzky's recent disloyalty."*

Hockey Journalist Terry Jones (February 22, NanaimoNewsNOW):

"If I'm right that [Gretzky] doesn't think Canada should become the 51st state, he should step up and say it. I certainly haven't turned on Wayne Gretzky or changed any degree of my absolute admiration for the guy."

Grant Prete, Creator of the Change.org Petition:

"Wayne Gretzky may arguably be Edmonton's greatest claim to fame. The Great One was a man who kids and hockey fans looked up to ever since he led the Edmonton Oilers during their glory days. I think, for this reason, it stings even more to know that he supports Donald Trump despite knowing Trump's intentions to annex his home country."

Meanwhile, Trump had previously agreed to pause the proposed 25 percent tariff on Canadian imports for 30 days. That temporary suspension is set to expire on March 4.