Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau is facing backlash after being spotted at a Taylor Swift concert in Toronto while violent pro-Palestinian protests erupted in his hometown of Montreal.
Critics accuse Trudeau of prioritizing leisure over leadership as demonstrators wreaked havoc in the streets, setting off smoke bombs, burning effigies of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, and causing widespread property damage.
Trudeau, who represents the Papineau district of Montreal in Parliament, was about 330 miles away when the chaos unfolded. A viral video captured the prime minister dancing to Swift’s “You Don’t Own Me” as reports of rioting, looting, and destruction emerged.
The protests, ostensibly against NATO and Israel, featured pro-Palestinian flags and banners and saw significant damage to local businesses and vehicles.
Critics from across the political spectrum are condemning Trudeau’s apparent lack of urgency and poor optics, with many questioning his commitment to addressing unrest in his own constituency.
The incident adds to mounting scrutiny of Trudeau’s leadership during times of domestic and international crisis.
