Wayne Gretzky’s close friendship with Trump sparks outrage across Canada: “He’s no longer someone people can look up to”

Wayne Gretzky is widely regarded as one of Canada’s greatest ever sportspeople, but it’s fair to say the ice hockey superstar has lost popularity with many of his compatriots over his friendship with U.S. President Donald Trump.

The two will appear together at Friday’s draw for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, in which Gretzky is set to serve as a draw assistant, which is likely to mean choosing balls, and teams, out of bowls.

“Soccer has a unique power to unite people from all over the world and create a positive impact, and I cannot wait to see this happening in North America next year and beyond, when we host the biggest ever FIFA World Cup,” Gretzky said via FIFA about his involvement.

Gretzky’s Canadian support takes a hit

The 64-year-old, though, seems to be uniting many Canadians against him because of his closeness to Trump. Gretzky has played golf with the president on numerous occasions, which is hardly a crime.

But what has really caused outrage in some quarters is Gretzky’s apparent MAGA allegiance. In 2024, “the Great One” attended Trump’s victory party following the U.S. presidential election and posed for photos while wearing a cap with the slogan “Make America Great Again” printed across it.

Trump’s jokes, Canada’s frustration

When Trump teased Canadian lawmakers about making Canada the United States’ 51st state in February, he quipped that its governor would be Gretzky, who appeared happy to play along with the joke.

On top of that, the NHL legend was criticized for ignoring the Canadian hockey team he was the honorary captain of during the Four Nations Face-Off that same month. Wearing a suit rather than team colors, Gretzky only approached and gave a thumbs up to the U.S. bench, leaving fans incensed.

Tariffs raise tensions further

On August 1, a Trump-imposed tariff rate of 35 percent, up from 25 percent, came into effect in Canada, although approximately 95 percent of Canadian products are exempt. However, the president’s intentions have not gone down well across the border, where people have been encouraged to buy Canadian products as much as possible.

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