From the Prime Minister’s Office to Katy Perry’s Embrace: Justin Trudeau’s New Life After Politics

He may no longer be running Canada, but he is regularly appearing on red carpets, traveling with one of the world’s biggest pop stars and exploring opportunities in Hollywood. Former Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has no intention of fading from the public eye. His new chapter includes a romance with Katy Perry, his own production company and appearances at international conferences for which he reportedly commands hefty fees.

As Spain’s El País reports, 19 months after leaving office, the 54-year-old politician remains firmly in the spotlight — although the reasons for his fame have changed considerably.

Trudeau led the Canadian government for more than nine years, from 2015. His bid for a fourth consecutive term as prime minister collapsed in early 2025 amid internal divisions within the Liberal Party and growing voter dissatisfaction. He officially stepped down on March 14, 2025, announcing his departure from political life.

But retirement was not on the cards. Just four days after leaving office, he posted a photograph on Instagram from a Canadian Tire store, showing himself pushing a shopping cart in casual clothes. “There’s nothing like a Monday at Canadian Tire,” the caption read. Trudeau later appeared on social media in connection with the musical career of his eldest son, Xavier, who performs under the name Xav.

A Romance That Overshadowed His Political Career

After separating from his wife, Sophie Grégoire, in August 2023, following 18 years of marriage, Trudeau’s personal life became a subject of intense media interest.

In July 2025, the former prime minister was photographed dining with American singer Katy Perry at a restaurant in Montreal. Three months later, paparazzi spotted the couple aboard a yacht in California, followed by a romantic stroll through Paris.

In December 2025, Trudeau and Perry officially confirmed their relationship during a trip to Japan. Their first joint red-carpet appearance came in June 2026, at the premiere of the documentary Katy Perry: The Lifetimes Tour — Live from Paris during the Tribeca Festival in New York.

In an interview with People magazine, the singer described Trudeau as “the love of my life.” Since then, the couple have regularly appeared together at high-profile events, including the Coachella festival, and shared photographs from their travels. Perry, who has around 195 million Instagram followers, ensures that every such post attracts considerable attention.

Trudeau Sets His Sights on Hollywood

But his romance with a pop superstar is far from the only new direction in the former politician’s life. In September 2026, during the Toronto International Film Festival, he announced the launch of his production company, Hope & Hard Work.

His business partner is Katie Telford, who served as Trudeau’s chief of staff throughout his time as prime minister. The company plans to develop scripted and documentary projects, audio productions and live events.

According to El País, five projects are already in development. They include a television adaptation of Perry Chafe’s novel Closer by Sea, set on a remote island off the coast of Newfoundland, as well as an original series titled Le Collège, about a private school in Montreal.

Trudeau is clearly looking to make his mark in the entertainment industry, drawing on his political experience, connections and name recognition. His new venture could offer another way to remain in public life — this time, beyond Parliament and the corridors of government.

Big Fees for Speaking Engagements — and Criticism of the US

Another source of income for the former prime minister is paid appearances at international forums and business conferences. In early October, he attended the World Travel & Tourism Council summit in Malta.

There, Trudeau commented on the trade tensions between Ottawa and Washington, noting that they were also affecting tourism. He argued that when choosing a destination, travelers consider not only the cost of a trip and its attractions but also how welcome they are likely to feel.

“In recent years, the United States hasn’t done a particularly good job of making tourists feel welcome,” he said.

A Famous Surname That Opened Doors

Public attention surrounded Trudeau long before he entered politics himself. He was born into the family of then-prime minister Pierre Trudeau, who led Canada during the 1980s. The Trudeau family was often compared to the American Kennedys: power, wealth, media attention and connections in high society had made it one of the country’s best-known political dynasties.

His father was also famous for his colorful love life. His reported romantic relationships included singer Barbra Streisand and actress Margot Kidder, best known for playing Lois Lane in the Superman films.

His famous surname, charisma, good looks and ease in front of the cameras helped Justin Trudeau build a strong public following. Yet the same qualities that contributed to his political success sometimes became a source of controversy.

Among the most widely discussed incidents were his much-criticized behavior during an official visit to India and a reprimand from the ethics commissioner over a vacation on the Aga Khan’s private island. Such episodes damaged his reputation and coincided with a decline in his popularity during his final years in office.

But Trudeau now seems far less concerned with criticism. Having left high-level politics behind, he has managed to hold on to what matters most in public life: attention. And he appears determined to make the most of it.