Donald Trump reveals Wayne Gretzky's stance on Canada becoming USA's 51st state amid criticism of NHL icon

Donald Trump declared Wayne Gretzky a 'free agent' and defended the hockey legend after he came in for criticism following Canada's fiery hockey clash against the USA.

The president also revealed that Gretzky wants Canada to stay an independent nation - despite his desire to make it America's '51st state'.

The two countries met twice in the 4 Nations Face-Off amid rising political tension. Trump stoked the fire after threatening tariffs, taunting Canada about becoming the 51st state - and referring to prime minister Trudeau as 'governor'.

Canadian fans booed the national anthem ahead of the first game, which USA won after three fights in the first nine seconds.

Canada got revenge in the final, with Gretzky named 'honorary captain' for the game. But the NHL legend came under fire after opting not to wear any Canada colors - and giving a thumbs-up to Team USA.

Trump, who previously tipped the NHL legend to run for 'governor' and welcomed him to his inauguration, defended Gretzky.

The president could not resist another dig at America's neighbors as he came out in support of his 'friend' on Truth Social.

'Wayne Gretzky is a fantastic guy! They call him, “The Great One,” and he is. He could run for any political office in Canada, and win,' he wrote.

'Wayne is my friend, and he wants to make me happy, and is therefore somewhat “low key” about Canada remaining a separate Country, rather than becoming a cherished and beautiful 51st State, paying much Lower Taxes, a Free and Powerful Military, NO TARIFFS, and having a Booming Economy.

'Wayne and Janet, his wonderful wife, love Canada, and they should only support Canada, and whatever else makes the Canadian People, and Governor Justin Trudeau, happy.

'He’s the Greatest Canadian of them all, and I am therefore making him a “free agent,” because I don’t want anyone in Canada to say anything bad about him.

'He supports Canada the way it is, as he should, even though it’s not nearly as good as it could be as part of the Greatest and Most Powerful Country in the World, the Good Ole’ U.S.A.!'