OTTAWA — During his Christmas visit, U.S. President-elect Donald Trump suggested to Canadian hockey icon Wayne Gretzky to run for Prime Minister of Canada, claiming the legendary athlete could win easily without even campaigning. Trump shared his conversation with Gretzky on his Truth Social platform, emphasizing the amusing notion of transforming the Prime Minister's role to "Governor of Canada" should the country ever become the 51st state of the United States. "Wayne, why don't you run for prime minister of Canada, you won't even have to campaign," Trump wrote, sparking interest and laughter among Canadians.
Gretzky, renowned for his incredible accomplishments on the ice, expressed no interest, according to Trump, who nonetheless continued to push for the idea of Canadians starting a "DRAFT WAYNE GRETZKY Movement." “It would be so much fun to watch!” Trump declared, underscoring his light-hearted take on the serious world of politics.
This whimsical exchange occurred as Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau faces mounting pressure from opposition and uncertainty within his government. Recent events have jeopardized Trudeau's minority position, especially following the surprise resignation of Finance Minister Chrystia Freeland. Trump's jest about Canada becoming America's 51st state has drawn reactions ranging from nervous laughter from Trudeau to serious discussions about the economic ramifications of potential tariffs Trump mentioned during previous statements.
Trump's comments on tariffs have already caused concern, as he has signaled intentions to impose heavy tariffs on Canadian goods, claiming it might lead to more economic success for American businesses. During the holiday, Trump remarked on the potential economic benefits, stating, "Their businesses would immediately double in size, and they would be militarily protected like no other country anywhere in the world," should Canada join the U.S.
Political analysts note the seriousness of the current Canadian political scene amid the light-hearted banter from Trump. Trudeau is under scrutiny as the coalition supporting his government potentially gears up for challenges starting early next year. Jagmeet Singh, leader of the New Democratic Party, has hinted at calling for no-confidence votes, which could result in fresh elections.
Despite the playful tone of Trump's suggestion, it is consistent with the bizarre political narrative he has been crafting since his re-election campaign, where references to Canada's potential statehood proliferate. By positioning Gretzky as the hauler of such a claim, Trump garners attention not just for himself but also for the intersection of sports and politics.
Wayne Gretzky's prior political connections with Canada's Conservative Party, particularly his past endorsements and interactions with notable Conservative politicians, also add layers to the conversation. His appearance wearing a "Make America Great Again" hat at Trump's Mar-a-Lago residence has ignited debates among fans, some of whom expressed disappointment over what they perceive as politically charged affiliations.
While Trump and Gretzky may share laughs, the political arena in Canada remains tense and focused on pressing matters like potential high tariffs and trade negotiations. Trudeau has publicly countered Trump's remarks on tariffs, arguing they would devastate the Canadian economy and insisting on cooperative discourse during his recent communications with Trump.
With the political stability of Trudeau's government at stake, the amusing banter about Gretzky's candidacy becomes even more noteworthy, isolatable from the serious dynamics of international relations and trade. Trump's insistence on Gretzky's possible popularity among Canadian voters and his kitchy suggestion to overhaul Canada's government hints at the interplay of celebrity and governance, but the Trump administration's focus on Canada could soon see Paramount strategy secure.
Wrapping the year with such light-hearted yet politically layered discourse paints October 2025 Canadian elections with unpredictable outcomes, as Trump's influence may inadvertently cast shadows over populist sentiments. Whether spare political jests will dissolve the seriously arena of political discourse remains to be seen.
The whimsical image of Wayne Gretzky — the steadfast scorer on ice and potential Prime Minister with support from Trump — subverts conventional expectations but also highlights the absurdity of intertwining celebrity status with political reality. While many might chuckle at the idea, the truth remains: the fabric of Canadian politics is facing turbulence at the turn of a new decade, punctuated by the unlikely interjection of American political rhetoric.
