Former Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau is facing criticism online after video footage showed him drinking from plastic cups at the Coachella music festival, years after his government moved to ban certain single-use plastics in Canada, as reported [1] by The New York Post.
The video, shared over the weekend, shows Trudeau attending the event in Indio, California, alongside singer Katy Perry.
In the footage, the two are seen drinking from red plastic cups while spending time at the festival, which is known for attracting celebrities and large crowds.
Justin Trudeau banned single use plastics in Canada to ‘save the planet.’
Meanwhile this is him at Coachella… pic.twitter.com/225xEN6qVR [2]
— Oli London (@OliLondonTV) April 13, 2026 [3]
The images prompted a wave of reactions on social media, where users pointed to Trudeau’s previous role in advancing environmental restrictions during his time in office.
Trudeau’s government introduced a ban on certain single-use plastics in 2019, a policy that targeted items such as plastic bags and straws.
Following the circulation of the video, critics online accused Trudeau of inconsistency.
NEW: Former Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau was spotted attending Coachella with his girlfriend, Katy Perry.
The 54-year-old former prime minister was seen wearing a white shirt and a backward hat.
Just over a year ago, Trudeau made the announcement that he would be… pic.twitter.com/6GNGVuAN3d [4]
— Collin Rugg (@CollinRugg) April 12, 2026 [5]
“Remember when Justin Trudeau banned plastic bags and straws for Canadians to ‘save the planet’? Now he’s posting pics using solo cups. Rules for thee, but not for me,” one user wrote on X.
Another user posted, “This a–hole is drinking out of a plastic cup after banning them for the entire country.”
The reaction continued across multiple posts referencing the earlier policy.
“Justin Trudeau, Jun. 10, 2019: I’m banning Canadians from using single-use plastics! Justin Trudeau, Apr. 12, 2026: Look at me smash booze from a solo cup at Coachella!” another wrote.
Additional users also commented on the video. “All I see is plastic cups. Someone banned them up here in Canada. Who was that again?” one person posted.
Another added, “What’s with the plastic red cups Trudeau and his weirdo girlfriend are using? Trudeau said plastic was evil and toxic.”
Canada’s single-use plastics ban, introduced under Trudeau’s leadership, did not apply to all plastic products. While the policy covered several commonly used items, some types of plastic cups were not included in the restrictions.
NEW: Outrage online as Justin Trudeau is seen drinking from a red Solo cup at Coachella with his girlfriend Katy Perry, after banning them in Canada.
The former Canadian Prime Minister banned single-use plastics while in office. pic.twitter.com/4DaBiZUWvX [6]
— E X X ➠A L E R T S (@ExxAlerts) April 13, 2026 [7]
Trudeau stepped down as prime minister in early 2025. His resignation came more than a year after his separation from his wife of 18 years, Sophie Grégoire-Trudeau. He later confirmed his relationship with Perry in October.
The Coachella footage has continued to circulate online, with reactions focusing on the contrast between Trudeau’s past policy positions and his appearance at the festival. The video has not prompted any official statement from Trudeau.