Ontario Premier Doug Ford has urged Canadians to ease up on hockey legend Wayne Gretzky, who has faced backlash for his support of former U.S. President Donald Trump. Gretzky attended Trump’s inauguration, visited him multiple times at Mar-a-Lago, and even wore a “Make America Great Again” hat at a victory party.
While addressing Ontario’s response to Trump’s tariffs on Canadian goods, Ford defended Gretzky as a true patriot. He shared that Gretzky was emotional when they recently spoke, emphasizing that the hockey icon remains devoted to Canada. Gretzky’s wife, Janet, also spoke out, stating that the harsh criticism has deeply affected him.
The controversy escalated after Gretzky, serving as Team Canada’s honorary captain, appeared to support the U.S. team at the Four Nations Face-Off. His ties to Trump, who had suggested annexing Canada, further fueled debates about his patriotism. Trump’s tariffs on Canadian goods intensified national pride, leading to fans booing the U.S. anthem at sporting events.
Ford reiterated Gretzky’s loyalty, stating, “He never gave up his Canadian passport. He loves Canada like no tomorrow.” Hockey legend Bobby Orr, also a Trump supporter, defended Gretzky’s right to his beliefs, urging respect for differing opinions.
Trump himself weighed in, insisting that Gretzky and his wife love Canada. In a social media post, Trump declared Gretzky the “Greatest Canadian of them all” and jokingly labeled him a “free agent” to appease Canadians.
Source: Swifteradio.com
