Trump Suggests Who Should Be Canada's Next 'Governor,' Teasing US Expansion

What's New

Donald Trump suggested that Canadian hockey legend Wayne Gretzky should run for prime minister—although Trump referred to the role as "governor of Canada"—in a Truth Social post on Tuesday.

Newsweek reached out by email to representatives of Trump's transition team for comment.

Why It Matters

Trump's comments come at a time of heightened tensions between the U.S. and Canada. The president-elect continues to threaten a 25 percent tariff on Canadian goods unless Canada addresses issues related to border security and trade deficits.

Gretzky, one of Canada's most revered figures, is an unlikely name to appear in this context, but Trump's invocation of the sports icon has added a cultural layer to an already complex diplomatic relationship.

What To Know

Throughout his first term in the White House and his campaign to return, Trump delivered provocative, antagonistic and sometimes mocking statements.

Now, as he prepares to return to the Oval Office, Trump is at it again, with his remarks drawing both attention and eye rolls. On Truth Social, he stirred the pot by suggesting Gretzky could win without even campaigning.

President-elect Donald Trump suggested this week that Canadian hockey icon Wayne Gretzky, right, should run for prime minister of Canada. However, Trump referred to the role as "governor of Canada." Getty Images

At the same time, Trump has ramped up criticisms of Canada's trade balance and border security policies, escalating tensions. He has argued that Canada's economic reliance on the U.S. leaves it vulnerable to his proposed tariffs.

When Prime Minister Justin Trudeau hastily flew to Florida to meet with Trump last month over the president-elect's threat to impose the 25 percent tariff on all Canadian products entering the U.S., Trump tossed out the idea that Canada should become the 51st U.S. state.

The Canadians passed off the comment as a joke, but Trump has continued to play up the dig, including in a post Tuesday morning on Truth Social. He referred to the prime minister as "Governor Justin Trudeau of the Great State of Canada."

Trump also delighted his supporters by posting an AI-generated image on his social media platform, showing himself on a mountain next to a Canadian flag along with the caption "Oh Canada!" In response, Canadian Immigration Minister Marc Miller said, "It sounds like we're living in an episode of South Park."

Trudeau has addressed Trump's tactics, saying, "His approach often involves challenging and destabilizing negotiating partners, creating uncertainty and sometimes chaos in democratic institutions. The key for us is to stay calm and not panic."

What People Are Saying

Trump said on Truth Social: "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."

Dominic LeBlanc, Canada's new finance minister, told the Associated Press: "The president was telling jokes. The president was teasing us. It was, of course, in no way a serious comment."

Gerald Butts, former adviser to Trudeau, on LinkedIn: "Trump used the '51st State' line with Trudeau a lot during his first term. When someone is trying to get you to freak out, don't."

What Happens Next

As tensions over trade and border security persist, Canadian leaders are expected to remain measured in their response to Trump's remarks. However, Trudeau's government is facing significant internal challenges that may affect its ability to effectively address these external pressures.