From 'Canada is lost' to 'Just a dad at a concert': Canadians react as Trudeau attends Taylor Swift's Eras Tour while riots shake Montreal
The prime minister was spotted busting out dance moves, taking in Swift's performance and even traded friendship bracelets with nearby fans
Taylor Swift’s concerts have always drawn famous faces, and Friday night was no exception. Prime Minister Justin Trudeau was seen enjoying the pop star’s hits as she brought her Eras Tour to Toronto for a second weekend.
In now-viral videos, Trudeau is caught busting out dance moves and looking captivated by Taylor Swift’s performance. Adding to the fun, he joined in on the Eras Tour tradition, swapping friendship bracelets with nearby Swifties.
Who could have guessed the PM was a Swiftie?
Trudeau's carefree night at the Eras Tour sparked outrage as anti-NATO demonstrations in his home riding of Montreal turned violent Friday night. Police reported smashed windows and fires during the protest as the city hosted the NATO Parliamentary Assembly.
At around 6:10 p.m., protesters lit a mannequin on fire in the middle of the crowd and began marching together, throwing objects including smoke bombs and metal barriers into the street to obstruct police work, according to CBC News reports.
Riots have broken out in Montreal - the mob is smashing buildings and rampaging through the streets.
And where is Prime Minister @JustinTrudeau? Dancing at a Taylor Swift concert. pic.twitter.com/aviemasUDc— Aviva Klompas (@AvivaKlompas) November 23, 2024
Trudeau's Eras Tour appearance sparks mixed reactions
As news of the prime minister's Eras Tour debut spread, Canadians flooded social media with reactions —some playfully embracing his Swiftie era, while others slammed his carefree concert outing as riots erupted in Montreal.
Leader of Canada's Conservative Party was quick to jot down his thoughts on social media sharing "Trudeau fiddles while Montreal burns."
Not all social media reactions were negative, with some lauding the opportunity to scream the lyrics of You Belong With Me alongside the prime minister.
One social media user simply stated "Canada is lost," as videos of the prime minister dancing the night away filled social media.
Canada is lost. We have no leadership and no safety anymore.
— Ana Elenzo (@helenezonana) November 23, 2024
Another Toronto TikToker captured the moment Trudeau exchanged friendship bracelets with fans seated next to him, jotting a caption reading "Imagine trading friendship bracelets with the prime minister?"
"The city is burning and like roman emperor Nero, pm Trudeau is partying," jotted down another X user.
Pro-Palestine mobs in Montreal, Canada last night - rioting and destroying shops and clashes with police. It feels like history is repeating itself. The city is burning and like roman emperor Nero, pm Trudeau is partying. When will the West wake up? pic.twitter.com/FdMCXpflfD
— Brian BJ (@iamBrianBJ) November 23, 2024
Not every social media user was out to get the PM, with many applauding the Canadian leader's decision to have a night out with family.
Should Trudeau have left the concert and appeased rioters in Montreal? This X user thinks so.
Like all Canadians, I’m disappointed Justin Trudeau didn’t leave the Taylor Swift concert, fly to Montreal, and deliver Lord Humongous’ “just walk away” speach from Max Max 2.
— Glyn Bowerman (@glynbowerman) November 23, 2024
"Justin Trudeau dancing at a Taylor Swift concert while Montreal is burning," shared this X user, while posting a side-by-side view of the Eras Tour footage and Montreal riots.
This is the Prime minister of Canada, Justin Trudeau dancing at a Taylor Swift concert while Montreal is burning. 🇨🇦 pic.twitter.com/S7pxrshNDx
— CommonSense Report (@CMNSx2) November 23, 2024