Hockey icon Wayne Gretzky, once celebrated as Brantford, Ontario's favorite son, is now caught in a whirlwind of controversy sparked by his admiration for former President Donald Trump amidst an escalating tariff dispute between the United States and Canada. Many of his fellow Canadians are turning against him as they grapple with the repercussions of these trade tensions.

The longstanding camaraderie between Canada and the United States has been strained under Trump's leadership, particularly as he introduced a series of imposing tariffs targeting international partners, including Canada. This rift was deepened when Trump controversially floated the idea of making Canada the "51st state" and suggested that Gretzky could become the "governor," a notion that has been met with significant outcry from Canadians.

Local Canadian business owner Graeme Roustan, who runs Roustan Hockey in Brantford, expressed his frustration with the current situation. He described the tariffs as "totally ridiculous." Roustan emphasized the historical roots of his business, which has been operating for 178 years, highlighting that the trade relationship with the U.S. predates Canada's union. As one of North America's few wooden hockey stick manufacturers, Roustan faced immediate challenges when Trump imposed a 25 percent tariff on Canadian goods. He was forced to expedite shipments to the U.S. to avoid the financial hit, demonstrating just how deeply the tariffs are impacting local enterprises.

As residents of Brantford face the mounting challenges brought on by these tariffs, some have redirected their anger towards Gretzky. At the Wayne Gretzky Sports Centre, local hockey coach Terry Corbin stated, "He hasn't lived here for how many years... he's almost like someone with dual citizenship who has chosen the United States." This sentiment is echoed by others who believe Gretzky should use his status to voice opposition against the tariffs harming Canadian businesses.

Local officials, including Brantford's Mayor Kevin Davis, have noted the adverse effects of the tariffs on regional business outputs. Approximately 80 percent of local businesses sell primarily to the U.S. and rely on American resources for raw materials. Mayor Davis voiced his concerns that the tariffs could devastate sectors like auto parts, food processing, plastics, and pharmaceuticals, possibly forcing businesses to downsize or even shut down entirely.

In response to American tariffs, Canada's Prime Minister Mark Carney has condemned the U.S. strategy as "unwarranted" and "unjustified," asserting that it unjustly harms workers and businesses on both sides of the border. Canada introduced its own counter-tariffs, imposing a 25 percent tax on non-USMCA vehicles imported into the U.S., demonstrating a commitment to protecting Canadian trade interests.

Amid this turmoil, opinions about Gretzky's political affiliations have soured. His public support for Trump's administration, including attending Mar-a-Lago for Trump's election-night celebration, has alienated many fans. A petition initiated to rename Gretzky Drive in Edmonton gained over 12,000 signatures as Canadians express their disappointment and sense of betrayal.

In a surprising twist, Trump defended Gretzky on social media, declaring him "the Greatest Canadian of them all" and branding him a "free agent" in an effort to mitigate negative sentiments directed at him from Canada. By doing so, Trump's rhetoric seems only to intensify the debate around national identity and loyalty in a time of geopolitical strain.

As the U.S.-Canada tariff drama unfolds, it demonstrates the complex intersection of sports, politics, and national pride, highlighting that even even the dearest icons can provoke divisive opinions in times of crisis.