What's New
President-elect Donald Trump has floated the idea of ice hockey pro Wayne Gretzky running to be the leader of Canada in the future.
The incoming Republican president said that Gretzky would make an excellent prime minister, "soon to be the governor," in reference to Trump's repeated suggestion that Canada become a U.S. state.
Newsweek contacted the Trump transition team and a representative of Wayne Gretzky for comment on this story.
Why It Matters
Trump has taken a new interest in Canadian politics as his return to the White House edges closer. Shortly after his success in the 2024 election, he met with current Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau at his property at Mar-a-Lago, Florida, to discuss his new tariff policy, which could see taxes as high as 25 percent placed on all Canadian goods.
Trudeau is set to face reelection in 2025, with Canadian federal elections scheduled to take place by October next year. Current polling indicates that the Conservative Party of Canada is decisively ahead of Trudeau's own Liberal Party.
What To Know
Wayne Gretzky previously endorsed the Conservative Party in the 2015 Canadian federal elections, the election in which Trudeau first became prime minister. During the race, he appeared at rallies for the incumbent party, describing Conservative Prime Minister Stephen Harper as "wonderful to the country" and "one of the greatest prime ministers ever."
The sportsman also got involved in Canada's Progressive Conservative Party, endorsing Patrick Brown for his 2015 bid for the party's leadership.
Gretzky also attended Trump's 2024 election victory party with his family at Mar-a-Lago, and met the president-elect at some point in December, according to Trump.
Gretzky, whose father was Ukrainian, has been outspoken on the war in Ukraine and has called for Russia to be banned from international sporting events. He is also a dual U.S.-Canadian citizen.
Trump has repeatedly said that Canada could become a U.S. state, writing on social media that "many Canadians want Canada to become the 51st State. They would save massively on taxes and military protection. I think it is a great idea."
What People Are Saying
On social media site Truth Social, Donald 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.
"He had no interest, but I think the people of Canada should start a DRAFT WAYNE GRETZKY Movement. It would be so much fun to watch!"
What Happens Next
Canada's voters will go to the polls in 2025, with a federal election constitutionally mandated before October 20. Trudeau leads the Liberal Party, while Pierre Poilievre leads the Conservative Party.
Trump will take office in January 2025, returning to the White House after his first term ended in 2021.
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