“People felt betrayed”: Wayne Gretzky’s ties with Donald Trump resurface and spark heated debate in Canada

In a moment that reignited political and cultural tensions across Canada, Wayne Gretzky—hockey’s most iconic figure—found himself under renewed scrutiny in 2025 for his past ties to U.S. President Donald Trump. Though once universally beloved, Gretzky’s presence alongside Trump at Mar-a-Lago events and his attendance at the 60th Presidential Inauguration became flashpoints for Canadians grappling with what national loyalty and celebrity responsibility truly mean.Wayne Gretzky’s friendship with Donald Trump had long been a quiet footnote in his storied career, but recent photos and videos—especially of him smiling alongside Trump or giving a thumbs-up to Team USA while serving as honorary captain at the 4 Nations Face-Off—rekindled fierce criticism online.“People felt betrayed,” said one Edmonton-based political analyst. “Seeing a Canadian icon so publicly cozy with someone like Trump—who’s made inflammatory remarks about Canada’s sovereignty—it rubbed a lot of people the wrong way.”The backlash was swift. A petition to rename Edmonton’s “Wayne Gretzky Drive” collected nearly 14,000 signatures. Even more shockingly, the bronze statue of Gretzky outside Rogers Place was vandalized in March with what appeared to be feces—an act symbolic of just how deeply some Canadians felt the sting of perceived political betrayal.Still, others urged restraint, arguing that Gretzky’s impact on Canadian culture transcends politics. “At the end of the day, [Gretzky] played here for a long time,” said longtime fan Brian Foulken. “The diehard Oilers [fans], we love him. He’s an amazing player.”But for critics, it wasn’t about athletic greatness—it was about symbolism. Trump had repeatedly floated the idea of Canada becoming the U.S.’s 51st state and sparred with Canadian leaders over trade and sovereignty. For Gretzky to remain so visible in Trump’s inner circle raised uncomfortable questions.Also post: Wayne Gretzky teams up with Palm Beach Gardens to build elite youth ice facility and launch Gretzky InvitationalEven so, Gretzky never directly addressed the controversy, opting instead to stay silent as headlines circulated and fans debated. For many, the incident highlighted a broader cultural divide—between those who view athletes as apolitical heroes and those who demand accountability, even from legends.