Katy Perry recently experienced an unusual moment while on a date with former Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau in Montreal. She attempted to order a Jack Daniel’s and Coke at a rooftop bar, only to be informed that American alcohol was unavailable due to ongoing tensions between Canada and the United States, specifically during Donald Trump’s presidency.
Trudeau, speaking at the World Economic Forum, addressed the broader context of this incident by discussing the concept of “soft power.” He highlighted that the national unity in response to Trump’s trade policies exemplifies how Canadians stand together during challenging times. Although Trudeau did not name Perry in his speech, he recounted a situation where the server mentioned there was no American alcohol in the city or possibly anywhere in Canada, which he praised as an illustration of solidarity among Canadians.
Rumors of a romance between Perry and Trudeau surfaced over the summer, with the couple spotted dining in Montreal and later celebrating Perry’s birthday in Paris. Their relationship became public in October when Perry shared photos from a trip to Japan on her Instagram, making it “Instagram official.”
Trudeau’s remarks come as both countries navigate heightened economic tensions, exacerbated by Trump’s administration imposing tariffs on Canadian steel and aluminum. In retaliation, Canadian provinces, including Quebec and Ontario, have removed American alcohol from their store shelves, leading to a sharp decline in sales of American wine and spirits in Canada. According to data, sales of American wine to Canada plummeted by 91 percent, while companies such as Brown-Forman Corporation reported significant drops in sales due to the tariffs.
The effects of this trade war have been profound, affecting company profit margins and sparking calls from Trudeau for Canadians to support domestic products. In February 2025, he urged consumers to choose Canadian goods over American ones, emphasizing the importance of local support in light of retaliatory measures.
Trump, for his part, has criticized Canada’s stance, labeling Canadians as “mean” and “nasty” for their boycott of American alcohol, while facing pressure to encourage a resolution. The complex interplay of international relations, economic policy, and personal stories like that of Perry and Trudeau exemplifies the broader impacts of diplomacy and national solidarity.