Despite stepping down as Canada’s prime minister over a year ago, Justin Trudeau remains in the spotlight. This week, he appeared in a promotional video for his girlfriend Katy Perry’s new single Watch It Burn, sparking online discussions about his image ranging from cool to cringeworthy.
In the 15-second TikTok video, the 54-year-old is seen alongside several others as Perry sings in the foreground. Released on Thursday, the video is part of a series shot at various locations since the end of June.
While some viewers enjoyed seeing Trudeau relaxed and casually dressed, others took the opportunity to criticize him, with podcast host Mario Nawfal jokingly referring to it as Trudeau’s “dancing debut.” Author and former professor Gad Saad went further, calling it a “forever stain” on Canada that Trudeau held power for a decade.
On the other hand, American columnist Matthew Yglesias defended Trudeau, stating that he is living his best life with his “cool pop star girlfriend,” Katy Perry.
Engagements and Public Appearances
Trudeau has been actively participating in public events with Perry in recent months, deviating from the post-office path of many former prime ministers who pursue consultancy or speaking engagements. The couple first appeared together in 2025 during a dinner date in Montreal.
In April, they attended the Coachella music festival in California, where Trudeau was spotted in a casual setting enjoying festival activities. Subsequently, they made their red-carpet debut at the Tribeca Festival in New York City and attended the U.S.-Paraguay match at the FIFA Men’s World Cup.
During Canada Day celebrations in Ottawa, Trudeau expressed his gratitude for the opportunity to relax and enjoy the day after his time as prime minister, emphasizing the importance of disconnecting from politics to appreciate the simple pleasures of Canadian life.
Trudeau and his ex-wife, Sophie Grégoire Trudeau, separated in 2023, while Perry announced her separation from Orlando Bloom in 2025.
Reactions and Fan Comments
Trudeau’s appearance in Perry’s TikTok video received positive feedback from Perry’s fans, who expressed joy at seeing him genuinely happy. Some fans even likened the moment to a “Canadian heritage moment.” On Reddit, users shared lighthearted comments, with one noting that Trudeau seems to be in his “aging himbo era.”
Overall, the response to Trudeau’s presence in the video has been mixed, with some finding it endearing and others critical, reflecting the ongoing public fascination with his post-political activities.