Former U.S. President Donald Trump stated that Canadian hockey legend Wayne Gretzky supports Canada's status as an independent country and rejects the idea of it becoming the 51st state of the United States.

Trump's remarks came during a political rally, where he touched on U.S.-Canada relations and indicated that Gretzky, who is considered one of the greatest hockey players in history, opposes any talk of Canada joining the United States. Trump said, “Gretzky wants Canada to remain independent, and I support him in that.”

Trump did not clarify whether Gretzky had made such a statement directly or if his stance was merely an inference on his part, nor has there been any official comment from Gretzky himself regarding these remarks.

These comments come amid repeated political jokes about the idea of Canada becoming the 51st U.S. state, a notion that is rarely taken seriously but occasionally stirs controversy. Despite the close economic ties between the two countries, Canada clings to its sovereignty and national independence, with widespread support from its citizens to maintain this status.