U.S. president-elect Donald Trump has revealed he encouraged Canadian hockey icon Wayne Gretzky to consider running for prime minister of Canada. During a Christmas Day meeting, Trump reportedly suggested to Gretzky that he could secure the position effortlessly, even joking that Canada might become a U.S. state, which Ottawa dismisses as a lighthearted remark. Trump mentioned how amusing it would be if Canadians rallied behind the hockey legend’s candidacy, despite Gretzky showing no interest.
In his Christmas message to Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, Trump suggested that Canadians would benefit from significant tax reductions and enhanced military protection if the country were to join the United States. He even linked these sentiments to his ambitions regarding Greenland and the Panama Canal. Meanwhile, speculations in Ottawa continue to focus more on the potential economic repercussions, such as tariffs, under Trump’s forthcoming presidency rather than his annexation rhetoric.
Wayne Gretzky, known for supporting Conservative figures in the past, had previously praised former Prime Minister Stephen Harper. His bipartisan approach was also evident when he hosted a luncheon for Liberal former Prime Minister Pierre Trudeau, showcasing his openness to working with leaders from various political backgrounds.
