A photo shared by U.S. President Donald Trump showing him golfing with Canadian hockey legend Wayne Gretzky sparked a wave of divided reaction across Canada this weekend. The image — which also featured LIV Golf star Brooks Koepka and Fox News host Bret Baier — was posted Nov. 30 on Trump’s Truth Social account, reportedly taken at Trump International Golf Club in West Palm Beach.
For many Canadians, seeing “The Great One” alongside Trump was disappointing; for others, it was simply a moment between longtime friends. But the reactions on social media were unmistakably intense.
Some fans said the image changed how they view the hockey icon. One user wrote: “You’re judged by the company you keep, Wayne… the kid in me will find a new hero.” Another said Gretzky “was a hero… he isn’t anymore,” adding they couldn’t reconcile Gretzky appearing to support someone who “attacks Canada.”
Others argued that even if Gretzky isn’t political, standing beside Trump is inevitably a political act — and one that “doesn’t honour the country that made him The Great One.” Critics questioned why Gretzky would want such an association or what he stood to gain from it.
The public frustration isn’t new. Gretzky faced backlash last year for wearing a MAGA hat at Trump’s election event, and Trump has repeatedly praised him on social media — even joking that Gretzky should run for Prime Minister of Canada. In past interviews, Gretzky has tried to distance himself from political expectations, saying: “I’m not into politics… I’m just a hockey player.”
Still, his ongoing friendship with Trump remains polarizing, especially as Trump continues making provocative remarks about Canada, including comments about it becoming the “51st state.” Despite the criticism, Trump doubled down on his admiration this week, calling Gretzky a “fantastic guy” who “could run for any political office in Canada, and win.”
The debate continues online, with Canadians asking whether Gretzky’s personal friendships should matter — or whether a cultural icon has a responsibility to consider the political weight of the company he keeps.