Just a few years back, former Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau called for emergency measures to handle protests against his strict COVID-19 regulations. Fast forward to now, and at 54, he’s been enjoying life at Coachella with his girlfriend, Katy Perry, indulging in ramen and sipping drinks from those iconic red cups. It’s a far cry from the leader who some called a savior, yet now he seems almost caricature-like—reflecting a broader concern about our planet’s future.
Canadian comedian Ben Bankas thinks Trudeau’s current antics are, well, a bit of an act. During an appearance on a podcast, he shared his thoughts on why he believes Trudeau is playing a role. Bankas speculated, “I think that in maybe five or ten years, he might make another run for office. So, he’s trying to polish his image as a friendly, likable guy. At the end of the day, I imagine he still craves power and influence within the party.”
He further elaborated that while dating a celebrity can reignite the charm that dazzled many Canadian voters initially, it feels a bit contrived. Reflecting on Trudeau’s early appeal, Bankas pointed out that there was a time when his push for marijuana legalization drew in a lot of support, making for an easy win.
But then came the pandemic, and the harsh measures that followed. Just to illustrate, there were instances of citizens being arrested for, of all things, playing hockey at outdoor rinks. It’s an indelible mark on Trudeau’s legacy as a leader.
Now, it seems, he’s in a phase of character rebuilding. Bankas noted that one positive aspect for Trudeau in his new relationship with Perry is that he’s moved on from his ex-wife, Sophie Grégoire Trudeau, with whom he finalized his separation in 2023 after nearly two decades of marriage.
In a somewhat light-hearted jab, Bankas mentioned a photo shoot where they got vaccinated together, remarking on Perry’s previous reputation in a tongue-in-cheek manner. So, in a way, he’s relieved he’s with Perry now—it feels like a statement against his past.
