What is the Fidel Castro-Justin Trudeau conspiracy theory?

The conspiracy theory suggesting that Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau is the son of former Cuban leader Fidel Castro has circulated for years, despite being widely debunked. This rumour stems from speculation about Margaret Trudeau , Justin's mother, who had a reputation for a high-profile social life in the 1970s, leading to baseless claims that she had an affair with Castro.

The theory rests on superficial observations, including supposed similarities in appearance between Justin Trudeau and Fidel Castro, as well as unfounded claims about Margaret Trudeau's interactions with Castro. Proponents of the conspiracy have pointed to vague timelines and photographs to support their claims. However, these arguments fall apart under scrutiny. Justin Trudeau was born on December 25, 1971, more than four years before Margaret and Pierre Trudeau , the then-Canadian Prime Minister, made an official visit to Cuba , where they first met Castro.

Margaret Trudeau's lifestyle at the time, which included mingling with celebrities like the Rolling Stones, has been exaggerated by conspiracy theorists. Despite the claims, there is no credible evidence to support the theory. Furthermore, both the Canadian government and numerous fact-checkers have categorically debunked the rumour, explaining that Justin Trudeau is indeed the biological son of Pierre Trudeau.

Most recently, former US President Donald Trump reignited the conspiracy in his book Save America, where he muses on the theory, suggesting without evidence that “a lot of people say” Justin Trudeau is Castro’s son. Trump’s remarks have been condemned by prominent Canadian figures, including former lawmakers Lloyd Axworthy and Allan Rock, who have demanded Trump retract the statement from his book.

Axworthy, a former foreign minister who served under Pierre Trudeau, noted that such unfounded allegations are part of a broader tactic to undermine political opponents. He criticised Trump for spreading misinformation, which could harm Canada ’s political landscape, and for interfering in another country’s affairs. Both he and Rock called for an apology and the removal of the passage from Trump's book, though they expressed doubts that this would happen.

Despite its debunking, the conspiracy continues to resurface, primarily among fringe groups and on social media, with no factual basis supporting the claims.