Wayne Gretzky and the price of “friendship” with Trump: When a Canadian icon was turned away by his own country

Wayne Gretzky and the Cost of His “Friendship” with Trump: When a Canadian Icon Turned His Back on His Hometown

Bramford, Ontario – The place that once boasted of being the home of “The Great One” – is now shaking with a name: Donald Trump. Not because Trump came here, but because his shadow has dragged Wayne Gretzky – the immortal hockey icon – into an unprecedented storm of anger.

During a recent speech, Donald Trump unexpectedly announced to the crowd that he once offered Wayne Gretzky the title of “governor of Canada” – a title that does not exist. “I asked Wayne: Would you like to be governor of Canada? I don’t think anybody could do it better than you,” Trump said, as if recruiting a hockey player for a role on a reality TV show.

It was more than just a bad joke. It was the last straw – especially when coupled with Trump’s new tariffs on Canada, which directly threaten the livelihoods of millions of Canadians. And Gretzky, while not directly endorsing Trump, has not denied their close relationship.

Gretzky’s Silence: Freedom or Complicity?
CNN reached out to Bramford – Gretzky’s hometown – and the takeaway was clear: People here feel betrayed.

Graham Rosten, a local business owner, said sales have dropped nearly 10% due to concerns about tariffs. “For us, it’s a disaster,” he said. Many American customers are rushing to place orders early to avoid the tariffs, while Canadians are starting to turn away from American products, viewing buying American as a “mild act of treason.”

At a souvenir shop, people started asking: “Is this product domestic? Is it made in Canada?” – not just out of patriotism, but out of a sense of humiliation.

And in the middle of that fury is Gretzky – who has never spoken out publicly against his old friend. “He hasn’t lived here in years. It seems like he chose America,” said one resident. Others are so angry that they want Gretzky’s name removed from public buildings.

Nhiệm kỳ tổng thống đầu tiên của Donald Trump – Wikipedia tiếng Việt

“Everything Trump Touches Dies”

Rick Wilson’s famous line – “Everything Trump Touches Dies” – now resonates in Gretzky’s own hometown. From a revered icon, Gretzky is slowly being pushed into the position of “silent traitor” – not because of his actions, but because of his inaction.

And sadly, Gretzky’s fame and legend are not immune to the public’s anger. Despite his donations and his help to the town, people here are asking: “Whose side are you on?”

Canada was patient – until it couldn’t be anymore

Canada was once considered the “gentle neighbor,” but as Mayor Bramford warned: “We were gentle… until we weren’t.” Trump’s insults weren’t just economic, they were national, cultural, and self-respecting. “The suggestion that we annex Canada as the 51st state is not just stupid – it’s insulting.”

Wayne Gretzky, Hockey's GOAT, Is Still the Sport's Biggest Booster: “Everybody Has to Be an Ambassador” | Vanity Fair

Now, with tariffs coming down like a sledgehammer, Trump has inadvertently awakened a collective anger. And in that anger, Wayne Gretzky – the hero of yore – may be facing the consequences of his silence.

Because in an age of celebrity politics, even silence is a political choice. And if Gretzky doesn’t take a stand soon, he may be the next victim of the Trump curse.