Why Donald Trump called Wayne Gretzky a “free agent” and why it stirred debate in Canada

In February 2025, Donald Trump referred to Wayne Gretzky as a “free agent” after the hockey legend attended his inauguration. This comment sparked controversy, unsettling Canadians who view Gretzky as a national icon and raising concerns about his carefully neutral public image being politicized. The incident underscored the delicate balance when sports heroes are drawn into political arenas.