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"Why is Wayne doing this for USA?": NHL fans react as Wayne Gretzky joins Donald Trump's new sports council

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  Published in Health and Fitness on Sunday, August 24th 2025 at 4:25 GMT by sportskeeda.com
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Wayne Gretzky’s Surprising Appointment to Trump’s New Sports Council Draws Mixed Reactions

In a headline‑making move that has captured headlines across the sports world, former NHL legend Wayne Gretzky—often called “The Great One”—has been announced as a member of President‑Donald J. Trump’s newly formed U.S. Sports Council. The appointment, unveiled by the President’s office early this week, has sparked a flurry of reactions ranging from enthusiastic praise to sharp criticism. Below is a concise recap of what the announcement means, why it matters, and how fans, former players, and critics are responding.

1. The Backdrop: Trump’s New Sports Council

The President’s Office released a press statement last Monday outlining the structure and purpose of the U.S. Sports Council. According to the briefing, the council will serve as an advisory body on issues that span from youth sports development to international sporting relations. The council’s mandate includes reviewing U.S. policy on the Olympic Games, supporting grassroots participation, and advising on the use of sports as a tool for diplomacy.

The council will feature a mix of high‑profile sports figures, former athletes, coaches, and business leaders. In addition to Gretzky, other confirmed members include former NBA star Michael Jordan, Olympic gold medalist Allyson Felix, and former NFL executive and broadcaster John Madden. The mix of personalities signals an attempt to bring credibility and broad representation to the council’s agenda.

President Trump himself has highlighted the council as a way to “promote American values and athletic excellence” and pledged that the council will help create “more opportunities for American youth to excel in sports.” The announcement came as part of a broader effort to consolidate Trump’s brand with the sports community after his exit from the White House.

2. Gretzky’s Own Perspective

Wayne Gretzky released a brief statement through his publicist in response to the appointment. He acknowledged the prestige of being recognized by a former U.S. President and emphasized that he remains committed to the growth of hockey and youth sports. “I’ve spent my life working to inspire kids to lace up their skates and chase their dreams,” Gretzky said. “I’m honored to be part of this council and look forward to helping shape the future of American sports.”

While Gretzky’s statement refrained from taking a partisan stance, it was clear he saw the opportunity as a platform to promote the sport of hockey in the United States. The Great One has long been a vocal advocate for increasing youth participation, especially in underserved communities. His involvement could bring increased visibility to hockey initiatives, particularly in the Midwest and Southern United States where the sport has historically struggled for prominence.

3. NHL and Player Community Response

The NHL’s official response was cautious, underscoring its focus on neutrality while acknowledging the potential benefits. “The league respects Gretzky’s contributions to the sport,” the NHL said. “We will continue to collaborate with players and stakeholders to promote the growth of hockey across the country.”

Former NHL players and colleagues offered varied reactions. Former teammate and current broadcaster Bob Naylor expressed excitement, noting that Gretzky’s presence on the council could help secure funding for youth hockey programs. “It’s great to see a legend who’s always championed the grassroots level step into a role where he can influence policy,” Naylor told a sports podcast.

However, other players, particularly those who have had a more political inclination, were less enthusiastic. Former NHL center and current commentator Mike Kerrigan voiced concerns that the council might be used as a political platform rather than a purely sports‑centric initiative. “It’s a big deal, but we have to watch how it’s leveraged. The council must serve athletes and fans, not politics,” Kerrigan warned.

4. Public and Fan Reaction

The announcement quickly went viral on social media, with a mix of admiration and skepticism. Twitter users posted memes referencing Gretzky’s iconic “Great One” nickname, juxtaposing it with images of Trump’s presidential campaign. Some fans expressed genuine excitement at the prospect of a former sports icon influencing policy, while others were wary of the political context.

Positive Feedback

• Youth Advocate: “If Gretzky can help bring more funding to youth hockey programs, that’s a win for kids everywhere. Thank you, Wayne!” – posted by @YouthSkateToday.
• Sports Analyst: “The Great One on the council could be a game changer for sports development. We need more voices like his in policy circles.” – commented by @SportsInsight.

Skeptical Voices

• Political Commentator: “I’m skeptical about Trump’s motives. This sounds like a PR move to align the former president with sports fans.” – tweeted by @PoliticalPulse.
• Fan: “Gretzky is a legend, but I’m not sure a sports council is the right platform for any political figure.” – posted by @FanTalks.

The mix of responses illustrates a broader trend: sports icons wielding influence beyond the rink, but also the caution that such influence can become politicized.

5. The Historical Context

Wayne Gretzky’s name is synonymous with the growth of hockey in the United States. He was the first North American-born player to win the NHL’s most valuable player award and is credited with helping to popularize the sport in the 1980s and 1990s. The Great One’s legacy extends beyond his on‑ice record—he has been a prominent philanthropist and community advocate, often sponsoring youth programs and charitable foundations.

President Trump’s involvement in the sports arena is not new. During his presidency, he launched initiatives such as “American Sports Policy” and pushed for reforms that would allow athletes more flexibility to engage in public commentary. The new council appears to be an extension of those efforts, albeit in a post‑administration context.

6. Potential Impact and What to Watch

The success of Trump’s Sports Council—and Gretzky’s role in it—will largely depend on how the council’s initiatives translate into concrete outcomes. Some key areas to monitor include:

1. Youth Sports Funding – Will the council secure new federal or private funding for grassroots programs?
2. International Partnerships – Could the council influence U.S. participation or hosting of international sporting events, such as the Olympics or World Cups?
3. Diversity and Inclusion – Will the council push for initiatives that broaden access to sports across underrepresented communities?
4. Political Neutrality – How will the council ensure its activities remain focused on sports rather than political messaging?

Given the polarized environment surrounding former President Trump’s political legacy, the council’s ability to function as an inclusive, non‑partisan body will be crucial to its credibility.

7. Bottom Line

Wayne Gretzky’s appointment to President‑Donald J. Trump’s new U.S. Sports Council is a headline‑making event that has stirred enthusiasm and concern in equal measure. The announcement underscores the continued relevance of sports figures in shaping national policy and reflects a broader trend of athletes engaging with public affairs. While Gretzky’s involvement could help elevate youth hockey and bring fresh ideas to sports development, the political associations and the council’s effectiveness in translating advice into action will ultimately determine its legacy.

As the council moves forward, fans, former players, and policymakers alike will be watching closely to see whether this partnership delivers meaningful benefits or remains a symbolic gesture. Regardless of the outcome, Gretzky’s role—whether as an advocate for youth sports or a footnote in political history—remains a noteworthy chapter in both his storied career and the evolving intersection between sports and politics.