Wayne Gretzky Joins Donald Trump for Thanksgiving Golf Outing

Wayne Gretzky recently participated in a Thanksgiving golf outing with U.S. President Donald Trump, among other notable figures. The gathering occurred at a golf course in the United States last week, with Trump sharing photos and videos from the event on social media. Gretzky, regarded as the NHL’s all-time points leader, joined American golfer Brooks Koepka and Fox News host Bret Baier for a day on the green.

Despite criticism from many Canadians regarding his close association with Trump, Gretzky continues to maintain his stance on political neutrality. Over the past year, he has faced scrutiny for his ties to the 79-year-old president, particularly after Trump made comments suggesting that Canada should become the 51st U.S. state. In response to these concerns, Gretzky has reiterated that he does not aim to influence politics, expressing his unwavering loyalty to Canada.

Public Reaction and Previous Engagements

Gretzky’s presence at the golf outing comes after some Canadians expressed disappointment when he opted to enter the rink through the American entrance during the 4 Nations championship earlier this year. His choice to forgo wearing a Canadian jersey during the ceremonial face-off drew criticism, prompting him to address the situation on a podcast earlier this month.

This outing is not the first time the two have been seen together. Trump has mentioned Gretzky in various contexts during his presidency, even suggesting in a social media post that the hockey legend could be a suitable candidate for Canadian Prime Minister. Additionally, Gretzky attended Trump’s presidential victory party in 2020 and was present at the inauguration ceremony.

Golfing is a long-standing passion for the four-time Stanley Cup champion. Gretzky has been known to enjoy the sport throughout his life, and his family ties to golf run deep; his daughter, Paulina Gretzky, is married to professional golfer Dustin Johnson.

As Gretzky continues to balance his sporting legacy with high-profile social engagements, it remains to be seen how his public appearances alongside prominent political figures will evolve. The crossover between sports and politics has always intrigued fans, and Gretzky’s interactions with Trump certainly capture attention on both sides of the border.