Global Leaders’ Approval Ratings Surge Amid Trump’s Diplomacy

Amid diplomatic tensions with Trump, global leaders such as Trudeau, Sheinbaum, and Zelenskyy have experienced significant boosts in their approval ratings. Their proactive negotiation strategies seem to resonate positively with voters, indicating a complex interplay between international diplomacy and domestic political capital. This situation raises questions about the multifaceted impacts of Trump on foreign leaders’ popularity.

United States President Donald Trump’s combative diplomatic approach has resulted in various world leaders, such as Justin Trudeau of Canada, Claudia Sheinbaum of Mexico, and Volodymyr Zelenskyy of Ukraine, experiencing notable boosts in their approval ratings. These leaders have engaged Trump in negotiations, often benefiting politically from their interactions, which has sparked questions regarding the underlying factors driving their rising popularity amidst challenging circumstances.

In Canada, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau faced mounting pressure prior to resigning in March 2025. His approval ratings surged after confrontations with Trump regarding tariffs and Canada’s sovereignty, leading to increased support for the ruling Liberal Party. Polls indicated the Conservatives initially led by 24 percentage points, but the gap shrank to 5.5 points following Trudeau’s firm stance against Trump’s allegations and economic threats.

Claudia Sheinbaum, Mexico’s first female president, has also benefitted from her engagement with Trump, deploying troops to manage immigration threats post-tariff negotiations. Sheinbaum’s approval ratings have reached historic highs, with polls indicating 80 to 85 percent approval shortly after her inauguration. Despite concerns regarding relations with the Trump administration, citizens largely support her handling of the situation, reflecting a rallying effect around leadership amid external pressures.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy experienced a significant boost in trust following confrontations with Trump, particularly during a contentious meeting at the White House where Trump suspended military aid. However, following Trump’s announcement of a ceasefire and restored aid, Zelenskyy’s approval rose to 67%. Analysts noted that Ukrainians perceived Trump’s rhetoric as an affront to their country, thus increasing support for their leader.

In Europe, leaders such as Keir Starmer and Emmanuel Macron have also seen their approval ratings rebound as they navigated interactions with Trump and engaged in peace discussions regarding the Ukraine conflict. Starmer’s approval rating increased from 22% to 27%, signifying improved public perception as he took a strong diplomatic stance. Similarly, Macron observed a rise from 17% to 27%, likely reflecting support for his efforts in addressing international crises and maintaining a cooperative dialogue with Trump.

The interactions with Donald Trump have inadvertently led to a rise in approval ratings for various world leaders, suggesting that adept negotiation and public responses to his policies can bolster political capital. Leaders such as Trudeau, Sheinbaum, and Zelenskyy have been positioned favorably in the eyes of their constituents by addressing national concerns while managing difficult relationships with the Trump administration. This trend illustrates the complex dynamics of international relations and domestic politics at play in contemporary governance.

Original Source: www.aljazeera.com