Foreign media reported that diplomatic relations with U.S. President Donald Trump are causing unexpected changes in the political landscape of major countries. Under the pressure of U.S. tariff threats, withdrawal of security support, and diplomatic pressure, national leaders are forming an 'anti-Trump' front and are experiencing a rise in approval ratings.
On the 26th (local time), the Financial Times (FT) reported an analysis of approval ratings for leaders from key U.S. allies, including Canada, Mexico, Ukraine, France, and the United Kingdom, noting that these leaders showed a rebound in public support as they took a stance against President Trump.
◇ “We will not be consumed by America” Canadian Liberal Party faces electoral defeat crisis but survives
The Canadian Liberal Party, which faced defeat in the upcoming general election on April 28, is confronting pressures from President Trump, including tariff threats and provocations regarding being the '51st state' of the United States, in an effort to turn the tide. Mark Carney, the Liberal Party leader, recently said, “The U.S. wants to crush us so it can own us, and we will make sure that does not happen.”
As a result, the approval rating for Carney, the unelected leader from Wall Street, has surpassed that of the career politician and opposition leader Pierre Poilievre. According to an Angus Reid poll released last week, the Liberal Party's approval rating was 42%, ahead of the Conservative Party's 37%. Furthermore, 43% of respondents identified Carney as the most suitable candidate to face President Trump, while 34% chose Poilievre.
◇ Mexico’s practical and restrained approach propels President Claudia Sheinbaum's approval rating to 85%
President Claudia Sheinbaum of Mexico, who adopted a practical foreign policy, has seen her approval rating soar. The left-leaning Sheinbaum was expected to clash with President Trump over U.S. military interventions against drug cartels and tariff impositions; however, her cautious and composed approach resulted in a postponement of tariffs. President Trump praised her as a 'great woman,' and according to El Financiero, Sheinbaum's approval rating has risen to 85%.
However, some analysts suggest that it was not President Sheinbaum's diplomacy but opposition from U.S. corporations that led to Trump's withdrawal of tariffs.
◇ “Still our president” Ukraine's Zelensky enjoys unifying effect after clash with the White House
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky saw his approval rating rise to its highest level since December 2023, reaching 67%, after a clash with President Trump at the White House. A non-profit organization stated, “We might hate him and be harsh on him, but he is our president.” The criticism from President Trump towards President Zelensky was perceived as an attack on the entire country, further enhancing the unifying effect. The duration of President Zelensky's approval rating surge is expected to depend significantly on the outcomes of forthcoming negotiations regarding mineral agreements and ceasefire accords, FT reported.
◇ “Unpopular president” France's Macron sees approval ratings rise after responding to Trump
French President Emmanuel Macron, who had faced long-standing critical public opinion in his country, showcased seasoned diplomacy against President Trump during his visit to the U.S. last month, seeking a political turnaround. FT assessed that he 'skillfully countered' Trump’s claims that Europe is supporting Ukraine with loans while delivering flattering remarks. According to polls, his approval rating increased by 3 percentage points (p) in February and 6 p in March, reaching 27%. However, overall popularity remains low.
◇ UK’s Starmer avoids tariffs while pursuing ‘playful’ diplomacy to reverse fortunes
U.K. Prime Minister Keir Starmer, whose approval ratings had been declining, delivered a royal letter to President Trump and negotiated a joint military base agreement, effectively escaping Trump’s tariff threats. He received praise for hosting an international peace cooperation meeting on Ukraine in London. Subsequently, Starmer's approval ratings rose into double digits, and even right-wing media praised his accomplishments. However, his approval ratings remain low.