Despite President Trump’s contentious international diplomacy, several world leaders have seen their approval ratings rise. Leaders such as Justin Trudeau, Claudia Sheinbaum, and Volodymyr Zelenskyy have capitalized on their negotiations with Trump, resulting in political gains within their countries. This phenomenon highlights the connection between handling challenging diplomatic situations and increased public support.
Since January 20, 2024, United States President Donald Trump has engaged in numerous diplomatic disputes with global leaders. However, certain leaders, including Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum, and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, have gained popularity in their home countries amid these negotiations with Trump. This raises questions regarding how much this popularity is directly linked to their dealings with Trump.
Justin Trudeau faced mounting pressure in early 2025, leading to his resignation as Prime Minister after economic and political challenges, such as rising living costs and internal party conflicts. Initially, Trudeau took a restrained approach to Trump’s mockery and threats; however, as tensions escalated over tariffs, he adopted a firmer stance. Trudeau stated, “Canadians are reasonable, and we are polite. But we will not back down from a fight.” This newfound resolve appears to have positively impacted his party’s polling.
Polls indicate the Canadian Liberal Party’s approval rating began recovering significantly, closing the gap with the Conservative Party from a 24-point deficit to just over 5 percentage points. Experts suggest a combination of Trudeau’s departure, the election of Mark Carney, and Trump’s tariff threats contributed to this resurgence. Analysts note that swing voters are reassessing their loyalties, and Carney appears to attract supporters across the political spectrum.
Claudia Sheinbaum has also enjoyed remarkable approval ratings since her inauguration as Mexico’s first female president. Strategies such as deploying 10,000 National Guard troops to the border amidst Trump’s tariff threats have resonated well with the public. Polling data reveals that approximately 80-85% of respondents approved of her leadership, indicating a positive reception despite mixed feelings about relations with Trump. Analysts attribute her high ratings to both her predecessor’s legacy and her response to diplomatic challenges.
Furthermore, Volodymyr Zelenskyy experienced a notable surge in public trust following tense interactions with Trump. A recent survey showed that 67% of Ukrainians trusted Zelenskyy, reflecting a 10-point increase. His conciliatory approach in the face of adversity and willingness to negotiate peace may have bolstered his approval amid tumultuous relations with the U.S.
Additionally, leaders like British Prime Minister Keir Starmer and French President Emmanuel Macron have also seen approval boosts as a result of their proactive engagement with Trump. Starmer’s public support increased from 22% to 27% as he navigated key diplomatic discussions, while Macron’s ratings gained similarly, indicating that deft handling of international diplomacy can lead to enhanced political standing at home.
In summary, Trump’s assertive diplomacy has coincidentally provided opportunities for other world leaders to gain popularity domestically. Trudeau, Sheinbaum, Zelenskyy, Starmer, and Macron have managed rising approval ratings in response to their engagement with Trump or navigating the associated challenges. The key takeaway from this analysis is that effective leadership during political turbulence often resonates with the electorate, resulting in enhanced public support.
Donald Trump’s diplomatic engagements, primarily characterized by confrontational rhetoric and actions, have inadvertently elevated the profiles of various global leaders, including Trudeau, Sheinbaum, Zelenskyy, Starmer, and Macron. Their respective responses to Trump’s policies have not only provided them with political advantages but have also helped reshape their public perception and approval ratings. Thus, Trump’s approach has created an environment where these leaders can leverage the political landscape to improve their domestic standings.
Original Source: www.aljazeera.com
