Trump 'loves' Canadians, especially Gretzky, but thinks Canada's leaders are 'very bad' - National Post

Wayne Gretzky and Donald Trump in a photo posted by Janet Gretzky on Instagram to congratulate Trump on being elected as the 47th president of the United States. Photo by Janet Gretzky/InstagramArticle contentU.S. President Donald Trump says he “love(s) the Canadian people” but that the nation’s leaders “have taken advantage” of the U.S. for too long in his latest rant about the country.

Speaking at a White House event marking U.S. Hispanic Heritage Month on Wednesday, Trump said that the U.S. was “so stupidly run” in the past because it “allowed” automakers to make cars for the U.S. in other countries, including Canada.

The president went on: “Canada has taken advantage of us for so many years. The worst of any country.” But, he added, “I love the Canadian people. So many friends,” highlighting former NHL player Wayne Gretzky and “his incredible wife,” Janet, in particular.

Trump: Canada has taken advantage of us for so many years. The worst of any country. They were very bad. Now, they're being taught a little lesson. We just named a certain lake: Lake America. pic.twitter.com/3Hh5trKgmJ

Gretzky and Trump have been spotted at events together on multiple occasions. He and his wife attended an election night event at Mar-a-Lago in November 2024, as well as Trump’s inauguration at the U.S. Capitol building in January 2025.