• Donald Trump jokingly suggested Wayne Gretzky run for Canadian prime minister, calling it “Governor of Canada,” but Gretzky declined.
• Trump’s remarks follow tensions in U.S.-Canada relations, with proposed tariffs and bold foreign policy plans.
• Canada faces political uncertainty as Trudeau’s government struggles and the Conservatives gain ground ahead of possible early elections.

In a Christmas Day message, former U.S. President Donald Trump revealed he encouraged hockey legend Wayne Gretzky to run for prime minister of Canada. Trump shared the news on his Truth Social platform, stating he believed Gretzky, a Canadian icon, could easily win a national election without campaigning.

Trump later joked about Canada becoming the 51st U.S. state, referring to the position of prime minister as the “Governor of Canada.” Describing his conversation with Gretzky, Trump wrote, “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.’”

Despite Trump’s enthusiasm, Gretzky declined the suggestion. Trump added that Gretzky showed “no interest” in running but urged Canadians to launch a “DRAFT WAYNE GRETZKY Movement,” calling it an entertaining idea. Representatives for Gretzky did not immediately respond to media inquiries about Trump’s comments.

Trump’s Increasing Focus on Canada

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Trump’s remarks about Gretzky come as he signals more focus on U.S.-Canada relations ahead of a potential return to the White House. The former president has already announced plans to impose steep tariffs on Canadian imports if re-elected, aiming to make American importers pay 25% more. Over the past week, he also threatened to retake control of the Panama Canal, further showcasing his bold foreign policy proposals.

On the same day as his Gretzky comments, Trump made nearly 40 posts on Truth Social, primarily sharing articles from conservative outlets supporting his policies. In one post, he announced his pick for ambassador to Panama: Kevin Marino Cabrera, a Florida Republican who worked on Trump’s 2020 campaign.

A Turbulent Time in Canadian Politics

Trump’s suggestion for Gretzky to enter politics comes at a politically charged moment for Canada. Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s Liberal Party is hanging onto power through a coalition with the New Democratic Party (NDP). However, NDP leader Jagmeet Singh recently threatened to call for a “no confidence” vote in January, which could force Trudeau’s government to dissolve and trigger an early election. Canada is otherwise scheduled for its next federal election in October 2025.

Meanwhile, polls show Canada’s Conservative Party, led by Pierre Poilievre, gaining ground over Trudeau’s Liberals. Gretzky has previously expressed occasional support for Canada’s Conservatives, further fueling speculation about his potential appeal as a political figure.

The Gretzky-Trump Connection

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Gretzky and his family have maintained a friendly relationship with Trump. They visited Trump’s Mar-a-Lago resort after his November electoral victory. In a photo shared on social media, Gretzky was seen wearing a white-and-gold “Make America Great Again” cap, further linking the two figures. Though Gretzky holds dual U.S.-Canadian citizenship, he appears unlikely to pursue any political ambitions in Canada or the U.S.

While Trump’s call for Gretzky to run may be more spectacle than serious proposal, it highlights the former president’s ongoing ability to stir attention and spark conversations on both sides of the border.

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