From tariffs on metal imports to the Ukraine war, President Donald Trump has engaged in diplomatic disputes with global leaders since his January 20 inauguration. Despite Trump framing his aggressive approach as prioritizing “America first,” many of these leaders have seen political benefits. Data suggests that leaders proactively negotiating with Trump without compromising too much are gaining in polls and approval ratings.
For instance, Mexico’s President Claudia Sheinbaum is enjoying the highest approval rating for a Mexican head of state since 1985. Canada’s Liberal Party has also narrowed the gap with the opposition Conservative Party in polls ahead of national elections. But how much of these gains are due to their handling of Trump, and what other factors are at play?
In Canada, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau resigned on March 9 amid growing pressures and Trump’s tariff threats. His initial silence to Trump’s barbs and his appointment of a “fentanyl czar” to address drug issues did not lead to significant changes. However, as Trump implemented tariffs on Canadian exports, Trudeau took a firmer stance. Polls show that while Conservatives had a substantial lead, the Liberal Party has closed the gap, possibly due to voter discomfort with Conservative leader Pierre Poilievre’s style as well as dissatisfaction with Trudeau and the arrival of new Prime Minister Mark Carney.
In Mexico, Sheinbaum’s high approval ratings may be partly inherited from her predecessor but are also linked to her handling of Trump’s tariffs and immigration issues. She deployed National Guard troops to the US-Mexico border and engaged in negotiations that may have led to tariff delays.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s standings have also benefited from his clash with Trump, with a survey showing increased trust among Ukrainians. Despite the tension and Trump’s accusations of Zelenskyy being a “dictator without elections,” Zelenskyy maintained a conciliatory tone and emphasized his readiness for peace negotiations, leading to a 30-day ceasefire plan with the US restoring military aid.
In Europe, Prime Minister Keir Starmer of the UK and President Emmanuel Macron of France stepped up their diplomatic efforts following Trump’s refusal to provide security guarantees to Ukraine. Both have seen increases in approval ratings, possibly due to their ability to navigate international crises and their handling of diplomatic relations with the US.
Thus, while the poll gains for these leaders may be partly attributed to their handling of Trump, other factors such as dissatisfaction with domestic policies and political styles, the arrival of new leaders, and international crises also play a role in their increasing approval ratings.
Source: https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2025/3/18/is-trump-helping-other-world-leaders-gain-popularity-back-home?traffic_source=rss
