After more than a year since Justin Trudeau’s exit as Canada’s prime minister, he has made a prominent return to the public eye. This week, a promotional video featuring Trudeau alongside his popstar girlfriend Katy Perry in her latest single “Watch It Burn” has sparked discussions online regarding his image—whether he appears cool, cringy, or disgraceful.
In the 15-second TikTok video, the 54-year-old is seen jumping across the screen while Perry sings in the foreground. Perry released the video on Thursday as part of a series of similar clips filmed in various locations since late June. Some viewers were pleased to witness Trudeau enjoying himself, looking relaxed and casually dressed.
TMZ shared the video on Friday, describing Trudeau’s “dancing debut” as “sweet.” However, critics of Trudeau seized the opportunity to mock the former PM. Podcaster Mario Nawfal took a jab, highlighting the transition from leading a G7 country to appearing in B-roll footage. Author and former Concordia University professor Gad Saad went further, criticizing Trudeau as a blemish on Canada’s history.
Conversely, supporters of Trudeau defended him, with some pointing out that detractors, particularly those aligned with “MAGA,” were overreacting to the video. Columnist Matthew Yglesias commended Trudeau for his global travels with his popular girlfriend, labeling it as a peak performance despite any criticisms.
Trudeau has been seen enjoying a lively lifestyle in recent months with Perry, a departure from the usual path taken by former prime ministers who typically transition into consultancy roles or speaking engagements post-office. The couple first made a public appearance together in 2025 during a dinner date in Montreal.
In subsequent sightings, Trudeau and Perry were spotted at the Coachella music festival in California, where Trudeau was photographed sporting a backwards ball cap, indulging in noodles, and balancing a red plastic cup. They later made their red-carpet debut at the Tribeca Festival in New York City for Perry’s concert film premiere. Trudeau also attended the U.S.-Paraguay match at the FIFA Men’s World Cup, where Perry performed before the game.
During last week’s Canada Day celebrations in Ottawa, Trudeau spoke with CBC’s Adrienne Arsenault, expressing his contentment post-politics. He reminisced about his tradition of visiting different Canada Day events and emphasized the importance of disconnecting from politics to enjoy the simple pleasures of being a regular Canadian.
Trudeau and his ex-wife, Sophie Grégoire Trudeau, parted ways in 2023 after an 18-year relationship. Perry announced her separation from longtime fiancé Orlando Bloom in 2025.
Perry’s fans reacted positively to Trudeau’s appearance in the TikTok video, praising his genuine happiness and likening the moment to a “Canadian heritage moment.” On Reddit, users playfully teased Trudeau’s newfound joy, with one describing it as his “aging himbo era.”
In conclusion, Trudeau’s public presence alongside Katy Perry continues to captivate audiences, generating both admiration and criticism as he embraces a more relaxed and sociable post-political lifestyle.