President-elect Donald Trump recently stirred the pot with his audacious remarks about Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and the possibility of Canada becoming the "51st state" of the United States. On Truth Social, Trump proposed not only to lower Canadian taxes if this hypothetical statehood were realized but also suggested enlisting hockey legend Wayne Gretzky as the country's prime minister.
"I just left Wayne Gretzky, ‘The Great One’ as he is known in Ice Hockey circles," Trump wrote. "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.’" With this whimsical suggestion, Trump continued to poke fun at Trudeau’s leadership, emphasizing Gretzky’s local appeal and popularity.
Trump’s mocking of Trudeau isn’t new; it has become part of his routine when discussing Canada. Over the past weeks, he referred to the Canadian leader playfully as the "governor" of Canada. This is indicative of Trump's long-running jest about Canada’s potential to join the United States, which he claims could alleviate numerous economic difficulties faced by Canadians.
Trump has grabbed headlines by criticizing Canada’s trade practices, asserting they exploit US interests. "If Canada was to become our 51st State, their Taxes would be cut by more than 60%," he insisted, adding, "Canadian businesses would immediately double in size, and they would be militarily protected like no other country anywhere in the World." This provocation underlines his belief—albeit controversial—that such actions would lead to significant economic benefits.
Trudeau's government has been facing mounting pressure, especially as the next federal election looms, expected by October 2025. Discontent with inflation, rising living costs, and concerns about handling the housing crisis have caused calls for his resignation, with discontent even rising from within his own Liberal Party. Trump's remarks come at a time when these struggles have cast doubt on Trudeau’s leadership skills.
Recent polling has revealed strong support for Canada’s Conservative Party against the beleaguered Liberal Party, fuelling speculation about Trudeau’s political survival. He has been accused of mismanagement, and dissatisfaction is audible across Canadian households. Markedly, the political backdrop makes Trump's jibe at Trudeau and the Canadian situation even more pointed.
Adding to the drama, Trump’s claims about reaching out to Gretzky were made as the former hockey superstar has previously endorsed Conservative Party candidates. While Gretzky enjoyed fame as one of hockey's most iconic figures, he has made it clear he has no interest in entering the political arena. "He had no interest, but I think the people of Canada should start a DRAFT WAYNE GRETZKY Movement," Trump suggested, showcasing the president-elect's characteristic bravado and irreverence.
On social media, Trump continued his trend of merry ridicule, uttering cheery holiday wishes to Trudeau, underscoring the irony of his proposals and comments. "Merry Christmas, Governor!" Trump quipped, signaling what many critics perceive as condescension rather than goodwill.
While many Canadians found humor and appreciated the levity Trump injected through his remarks, others responded with disappointment over Gretzky's perceived link to the strongman tactics of Trump. A recent photo of Gretzky sporting a "Make America Great Again" cap at Mar-a-Lago ignited backlash from his fanbase, drawing ire for seemingly endorsing Trump’s values. Critics took to social media, saying things like, "Gretzky was my idol growing up, so this stings. A lot." Another lamented, "You were the role model for decency and family… I will no longer think of you as one of the greats on and off the ice."
The juxtaposition of Gretzky’s iconic status against Trump’s brash personality exemplifies the polarizing political climate. Gretzky's achievements on the ice, which include four Stanley Cup championships and numerous NHL records, bring light to his cultural significance, yet his reluctance to take up political stances highlights the divide Americans and Canadians feel toward Trump's comments.
Despite Trump's taunts, the practical realities of Canada's situation cannot be lost. Trudeau recently dined with Trump during a trip to Mar-a-Lago, attempting to smooth over tensions raised by Trump's proposed 25% tariff on Canadian goods—a measure Trudeau warned could devastate Canada’s economy. Trump’s response to Trudeau’s plight was less than sympathetic. “So your country can’t survive without… ripping off the US to the tune of $100 billion?” he quipped, illustrating the tense nature of US-Canada relations.
With financial disturbances and growing dissatisfaction among Canadians, Trump's pointed remarks shine a spotlight on both Trudeau's governance record and the future possibilities for Canadian politics. While the idea of Gretzky as Canada’s political leader remains hypothetical and largely comedic, it does raise questions about who Canadians might look to as they steer through uncertain political waters.
Many are beginning to wonder whether the forthcoming election might pivot from the Trudeau era to something radically different. The stakes are high, making Trump's jibes not merely fodder for social media but reflections of the existential conversations happening across Canada and beyond.
