PRESIDENT Donald Trump has defended Wayne Gretzky amid the criticisms the Canadian ice hockey legend has acquired in his residence nation.

The U.S. commander-in-chief’s newest message comes as he is continued his Canada ’51st state’ rhetoric.

2

2

Whereas on the ultimate of the 4 Nations Face-Off Worldwide Hockey Event between the U.S. and Canada final week, Gretzky raised eyebrows.

Earlier than the sport, Gretzky, who was Canada‘s honorary staff captain, gave a thumbs-up to the American gamers and did not put on the Canadian colours.

Gretzky, who attended President Trump‘s January 20 inauguration, turned heads much more after he refused to speak to the media.

Trump even revealed that Gretzky requested if he ought to run for prime minister or governor after Canadian prime minister Justin Trudeau introduced he would resign.

Hypothesis has now been within the air that Gretzky helps Trump’s plans to make Canada the U.S.’s 51st state.

On Wednesday night time, Trump himself posted on his personal Fact Social web site regarding Gretzky.

“Wayne Gretzky is a incredible man! They name him ‘The Nice One,’ and he’s. He may run for any political workplace in Canada and win,” Trump wrote.

“Wayne is my pal, and he desires to make me pleased, and is subsequently considerably ‘lowkey about Canada remaining a separate nation, somewhat than turning into a cherished and exquisite 51st state, paying a lot decrease taxes, a free and highly effective army, no tariffs, and having a booming economic system.

“Wayne and Janet, his fantastic spouse, love Canada, and they need to solely help Canada, and no matter else makes the Canadian, and Governor Justin Trudeau, pleased.”

Trump then added, “[Gretzky’s] the Biggest Candian of all of them, and I’m subsequently making him a “free agent,” as a result of I do not need anybody in Canada to say something dangerous about him.

“He helps Canada the way in which it’s, as he ought to, though it is not almost nearly as good because it could possibly be as a part of the Biggest and Most Highly effective Nation within the World, the Good Ole’ U.S.A.!”

Gretzky has but to debate his place on Trump’s acknowledged coverage of constructing Canada the 51st U.S. state.

The 64-year-old presently works as a broadcaster for the NHL on TNT.

Gretzky performed an enormous position within the extremely fashionable and extremely political 4 Nations match and ultimate.

His loyalties between Canada and the U.S. have lengthy been beneath a microscope.

He was born and raised in Canada and represented the nation internationally on the junior and senior ranges from 1978 to 1998.

Gretzky was additionally the chief director of the Canadian males’s Olympic staff on the 2002 and 2006 Olympics.

Nonetheless, he has principally lived within the U.S. since forcing a commerce from the Edmonton Oilers to the Los Angeles Kings in 1998.

And Gretzky has had a long-running help for Trump, which has lengthy brought about Canadians to query his allegiance.