Donald Trump has defended hockey legend Wayne Gretzky after he faced criticism during the recent USA-Canada 4 Nations Face-Off tournament.
The former president took to his Truth Social platform to declare Gretzky a “free agent” following backlash against the NHL star.
Gretzky had come under fire from Canadian fans after appearing to show support for Team USA despite serving as Canada’s “honorary captain”.
Trump praised his “friend” Gretzky as “a fantastic guy” and “The Great One” in his social media post.
Donald Trump has defended hockey legend Wayne Gretzky after he faced criticism during the recent USA-Canada 4 Nations Face-Off tournament
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The tensions between the USA and Canada had been heightened by Trump’s previous political comments.
Trump had threatened tariffs against Canada and taunted the nation about becoming America’s “51st state”.
He had even referred to Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau as “governor”.
The hockey tournament took place amid this diplomatic friction.
Wayne Gretzky is yet to publicly discuss the possibility of Canada being American’s 51st state
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Canadian fans booed the American national anthem before the first game, which the USA won after three fights erupted in the opening nine seconds.
Canada ultimately got revenge by winning the final match of the tournament.
Gretzky’s role as “honorary captain” for Team Canada made his actions particularly controversial.
The NHL legend opted not to wear any Canadian colours during the event and he was also spotted giving a thumbs-up to Team USA, angering Canadian supporters.
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This perceived lack of patriotism drew criticism from fans expecting their hockey icon to show clear allegiance to Canada.
Trump, who had previously welcomed Gretzky to his inauguration, quickly came to the hockey star’s defence.
Trump’s Truth Social post elaborated on his friendship with Gretzky and Canada’s independence.
“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,” Trump wrote.
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He added that Gretzky and his “wonderful wife” Janet “love Canada, and they should only support Canada”.
Trump declared Gretzky “the Greatest Canadian of them all” and made him a “free agent” to protect him from criticism.
Despite acknowledging Gretzky’s loyalty to Canada, Trump couldn’t resist another playful jab at America’s neighbours.
Donald Trump insists Wayne Gretzky is a ‘free agent’ who can do as he pleases
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“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,” Trump continued.
The former president suggested Canada would benefit from “paying much Lower Taxes” and having a “Free and Powerful Military”.
He also mentioned “NO TARIFFS” and “a Booming Economy” as potential advantages of joining “the Good Ole’ U.S.A.!”