A leisurely round of golf involving Canadian hockey icon Wayne Gretzky and President Donald Trump has ignited a wave of criticism from left-leaning Canadian social media users.
Over the weekend, many accused Gretzky of betraying his homeland and aligning himself with a figure they labeled as a fascist. The event, which also included LIV golfer Brooks Koepka and Fox News host Bret Baier, was documented through photos and videos shared by Trump.
These images captured Gretzky on the Florida golf course alongside the President, who sported his signature red "Make America Great Again" hat. The posts quickly sparked online backlash, with critics urging Gretzky to distance himself from Trump.
As reported by The Post Millennial, the reaction was swift and intense, with numerous users branding Gretzky a "traitor." One particularly vehement comment declared, "Absolutely DISGUSTING!!!! TRAITOR." Another critic remarked, "Gretzky can stop with his excuses. Hes made his choice and Canadians see him."
The rhetoric escalated, with some suggesting Gretzky had "abandoned" his country or was "no longer The Great One." A user lamented, "The Great One is no longer Great; disappointing. The Greedy One."
The discontent extended beyond the golf course, with some recalling earlier incidents this year, such as Gretzky entering through the American tunnel during a 4 Nations championship ceremony and not donning a Canadian jersey for the ceremonial face-off. Despite the uproar, Gretzky has publicly stated he has no political agenda and remains committed to Canada.
However, not all responses were critical. Supporters of Gretzky defended his right to associate with the president, emphasizing his freedom to choose his company. One post questioned, "So hes not allowed to golf with the leader of the free world? Says who?" Another supporter asserted, "The greatest hockey player to ever live can do as he pleases. Canada loves him."
Gretzky's relationship with Trump is not new; he has appeared alongside the President at several events, including Trump's inauguration and victory celebrations. A passionate golfer himself, Gretzky's connection to the sport is further cemented through his son-in-law, professional golfer Dustin Johnson.
In the face of criticism, Gretzky's supporters argue that personal associations should not overshadow his legacy as a hockey legend. They contend that his actions off the ice do not diminish his contributions to the sport or his enduring popularity in Canada.
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