Wayne Gretzky attends Trump's inauguration as incoming president considers NHL legend for Canadian leadership role.

Gretzky was previously asked by Trump to become the 'governor of Canada'.

Wayne Gretzky attends Trump's inauguration as incoming president considers NHL legend for Canadian leadership role.
Wayne Gretzky attends Trump's inauguration as incoming president considers NHL legend for Canadian leadership role.

On Monday, NHL legend Wayne Gretzky was seen at Donald Trump's inauguration, with the incoming president hinting at Gretzky as the next leader of Canada.

In the Capitol Rotunda, Gretzky observed Trump's Cabinet nominees, lawmakers, and other dignitaries as they entered.

Wayne Gretzky at Trump's inauguration
Wayne Gretzky, right, seen at Donald Trump's inauguration. (Planet Chronicle)

On Christmas Day, Trump encouraged Canadians to urge Gretzky to become the next prime minister, as he has touted the hockey legend as the next leader of Canada.

Trump tweeted on Truth Social, "I just left Wayne Gretzky, 'The Great One' in Ice Hockey circles. I said to him, '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.'"

"I believe the people of Canada should initiate a DRAFT WAYNE GRETZKY Movement, even though he showed no interest. It would be entertaining to observe."

Wayne Gretzky in 2020
Wayne Gretzky smokes a cigar during the AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am at Pebble Beach Golf Links in California, Feb. 8, 2020. (Michael Madrid-USA Today Sports)

Trump joked with Canadian lawmakers about making the country the "51st state" of the U.S., and he asked Gretzky to become the "governor of Canada."

At a Mar-a-Lago press conference earlier this month, Trump stated, "I was with Wayne Gretzky. I asked him, 'Wayne, would you like to be the governor of Canada?' I can't imagine anyone doing better than Wayne."

"Wayne was not too interested in statehood, but he probably would have liked it," Trump said. "He's a friend of mine and a great guy. We call him the great one because he's a great hockey player."

Gretzky didn’t appear to be swayed one way or the other.

U.S. President-elect Donald Trump and his wife Melania Trump look on as they meet with U.S. President Joe Biden and first lady Jill Biden
President-elect Trump and Melania Trump as they meet with President Biden and first lady Jill Biden on Inauguration Day, Jan. 20, 2025. (Carlos Barria/Reuters)

In November, the Hockey Hall of Famer was seen at Trump's election celebration.

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by Ryan Gaydos

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