Former U.S. President Donald Trump ignited discussions this Christmas by proposing Wayne Gretzky, renowned as one of the greatest hockey players of all time, as the next Prime Minister of Canada. During his Christmas Day message on Truth Social, Trump suggested, "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.’"
Though Trump claimed Gretzky showed no interest, he encouraged Canadians to start what he termed the “Draft Wayne Gretzky Movement,” adding, "It would be so much fun to watch!" Trump's whimsical suggestion has sparked significant chatter on social media and beyond, demonstrating his knack for combining humor with political commentary.
So, who exactly is Wayne Gretzky? Born on January 26, 1961, in Brantford, Ontario, Gretzky is often hailed as the greatest hockey player of all time. With multiple records to his name, including most career goals (894) and total points (2,857) within the NHL, his legacy is unmatched. He won the NHL’s Most Valuable Player award nine times and remains the only player to have scored over 200 points in a single season. After retiring from professional hockey in 1999, Gretzky continued to influence the sport as an ambassador and executive.
For many, Trump’s playful comments might seem like tongue-in-cheek banter. After all, Gretzky has consistently remained outside the political arena. While he has endorsed Conservative political figures like former Canadian Prime Minister Stephen Harper during the 2015 elections, he stated, “Wayne is deeply honoured by the respect, but he’s a hockey guy, not a politician,” according to reports from close sources.
Trump’s suggestion arrives at a tumultuous time for Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, whose political standing has faltered amid rising inflation and concerns about government performance. Several Liberal Party MPs are reportedly calling for change at the top. "The Great State of Canada is stunned as the Finance Minister resigns, or was fired, from her position by Governor Justin Trudeau," Trump wrote as he addressed these political woes.
David O’Brien, a Canadian sports historian, weighed in on the matter, stating, "He’s not just a hockey legend; he’s a cultural icon who brought Canadians together. If he ever decided to run for office, he’d likely have widespread appeal.” This observation hints at Gretzky's potential popularity if he ever chose to enter the fray, though he has so far dismissed such notions.
Trump’s remarks also reflect broader sentiments, as he has previously speculated about Canada becoming the 51st state. Earlier this month, he quipped about Canada being part of the United States, stating, "Many Canadians want Canada to become the 51st State. They would save massively on taxes and military protection. I think it is a great idea." Such comments often stir debates on both sides of the border about national identity and sovereignty.
The juxtaposition of sports fame and political ambition presents a compelling narrative. The suggestion of running for Prime Minister has caused some Canadians to weigh the merits of their political leaders against the symbolic figure of Gretzky. Critics of Trudeau have capitalized on Trump's comments to argue for fresh leadership, especially with federal elections scheduled for October 2025.
While the idea of Wayne Gretzky running for office may sound far-fetched, what is clear is the intersection of sports and politics and how cultural icons can impact political discourse. Trump's cheeky encouragement reflects the current climate—one where unconventional candidates can draw attention simply by being who they are.
The commentary online has been varied, with some embracing the humor of Trump’s suggestion, finding joy and absurdity in the mix of sports and politics. Others, particularly those concerned with the seriousness of governance, express skepticism at the prospect of someone like Gretzky taking on such a role.
Regardless of his political aspirations, one thing remains certain: the conversation surrounding Trump and Gretzky has illuminated not just the potential for change in Canada but the cultural aspirations and expectations of its citizens. While the prospect of Gretzky entering politics remains unlikely, the dialogue indicates just how influential icons can be, inspiring both laughter and serious reflection about the future of Canadian leadership.
