United States President-elect Donald Trump has ignited controversy with his suggestion that NHL icon Wayne Gretzky should consider running for Canadian prime minister.
In a post on Truth Social on Wednesday, Trump pitched the idea, praising Gretzky’s widespread popularity and leadership qualities.
“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,’” Trump wrote.
Adding to the intrigue, he remarked, “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!”
The post comes at a time when Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau is under mounting pressure to resign.
Tribune Online reports that Canadian Finance Minister Chrystia Freeland stepped down from her position earlier this month, intensifying political turbulence in Trudeau’s administration. This prompted opposition leader Jagmeet Singh to openly call for Trudeau’s resignation, further shaking Canada’s political landscape.
Trump did not hold back in his assessment of Freeland’s departure, using his Truth Social platform to lambast both her and Trudeau.
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“The Great State of Canada is stunned as the Finance Minister resigns, or was fired, from her position by Governor Justin Trudeau,” he posted, seemingly mocking the prime minister.
Referring to Freeland’s leadership, he added, “Her behavior was totally toxic and not at all conducive to making deals which are good for the very unhappy citizens of Canada. She will not be missed!!!”
Gretzky, who has kept a relatively low political profile, was spotted wearing a “Make America Great Again” cap at Trump’s Mar-a-Lago residence last month. The sighting came shortly after Trump’s victory in the U.S. presidential election, fueling speculation about Gretzky’s potential involvement in politics.
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