Wayne Gretzky sets the record straight on his loyalty to Canada amid close ties with Donald Trump
Wayne Gretzky has defended his loyalty to Canada after facing criticism from fans in early 2025. Gretzky has faced criticism for his close ties with U.S. President Donald Trump. Things escalated when Trump publicly expressed his desire to make Canada the “51st state” of the US.
Speaking on the 100% Hockey podcast on Wednesday, Gretzky talked about the criticism.
“People are going to say and believe what they want,” Gretzky said about criticism aimed at him. “The bottom line is, I know in my heart I’m Canadian, I’ve stayed Canadian and I’m a Canadian for life.”
Gretzky was seen at several Trump events in recent years. He even attended Trump’s inauguration and was photographed wearing a “Make America Great Again” hat. Some fans had circulated those pictures online and questioned his political stance.
However, Gretzky had a lot of support during that time, including that of Bobby Orr.
“I had a lot of support,” Gretzky said. “You’ve got to take the good with the bad. It probably would hurt my dad (Walter) more, so I’m glad he didn’t have to see it.”
Gretzky’s support group included former Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau. He called Gretzky to show his support during the difficult period.
“It was a wonderful phone call that he reached out,” Gretzky said. “He gave me a great line. He said, ‘I’m giving you a hug call.’ I said, ‘Okay, I needed it right now.'”
Even during February’s 4 Nations: FaceOff, some fans criticized him for not wearing a Canada jersey while serving as Team Canada’s honorary captain. Things had escalated to the level of online petitions.
“I never became an American citizen. I’m Canadian,” Gretzky said, pointing to the fact that almost 90 percent of influential people in the business or entertainment industry end up with American citizenship.
Wayne Gretzky is focused on hockey, ‘Not into politics’
Wayne Gretzky was born in Brantford, Ontario, Canada. He has won four Stanley Cups with the Edmonton Oilers. He also holds the record of 2,857 career points, the most in NHL history. He has won nine Hart Trophies, ten Art Ross, and two Conn Smythe.
He is proud to be Canadian, and Gretzky said he tries to stay out of politics.
“I’m not into politics, and so I can’t stop the Prime Minister from saying something,” Gretzky said. “I can’t stop the President from saying something. I just kind of like, well, I’m just a hockey player, simple as that.”
Gretzky’s words hold true, backed by his legendary career.
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Edited by Ankit Kumar
