In a surprising twist of events on the social media platform X, El Salvador's President Nayib Bukele engaged with the platform's artificial intelligence, Grok, sparking widespread discussion about political popularity and security issues. On March 26, 2025, Bukele posed a straightforward question to Grok: "Hey Grok, who is the most popular president in the world? Respond with a word." The AI's response, "Sheinbaum," referring to Mexico's President Claudia Sheinbaum, caught Bukele off guard and sent ripples through social media.
During a nearly hour-long interaction, Bukele had previously asked Grok various questions, expecting answers that would reflect positively on his leadership or the safety of his country. Earlier queries included, "Which is the safest country in Latin America?" and "Who is the president that has reduced homicides the most in the world?" Grok answered these in line with Bukele's expectations, affirming El Salvador's status as the safest country in the region and attributing a significant reduction in homicide rates to Bukele himself.
However, the AI's unexpected mention of Sheinbaum as the world's most popular president, with a 66% approval rating, shifted the narrative. Bukele had previously highlighted his own approval rating of 91%, as indicated by recent surveys from the Jesuit Instituto Universitarios de Opinión Pública (IUDOP), which rated him 7.73 on a scale of 0 to 10. Yet, Grok's response implied that while Bukele enjoys high domestic approval, Sheinbaum's popularity extends beyond her country's borders, creating a complex discussion about what it means to be "popular" in the political sphere.
Grok elaborated that Sheinbaum's higher international recognition could be attributed to her effective handling of social programs and her diplomatic engagements, particularly in the context of U.S.-Mexico relations. This has led to her being viewed as one of the most prominent leaders globally, surpassing figures like Donald Trump, who holds a 52% approval rating according to Morning Consult.
Interestingly, the interaction between Bukele and Grok was not merely a political curiosity; it also highlighted the ongoing tensions between Bukele and Sheinbaum. In recent weeks, Bukele had criticized the security situation in Mexico, questioning why a country with a population of approximately 130 million could not manage security in states that have populations equal to or smaller than El Salvador's 6 million residents. He suggested that Mexico should adopt a state-by-state approach to security, addressing issues incrementally.
In response, Sheinbaum called for respect for Mexico's sovereignty, asserting, "He was elected by his people, but at the same time, we ask for respect for Mexico. Respect is always respect. It is the characteristic of diplomacy." This exchange underscores the diplomatic complexities between the two nations, particularly in light of Bukele's aggressive security policies, which have faced criticism for potential human rights violations.
Grok's responses have also drawn attention to the broader implications of Bukele's governance style. Known for his hardline approach to crime, including the controversial state of emergency measures that have led to mass incarcerations, Bukele has positioned himself as a tough-on-crime leader. His administration recently approved measures allowing the transfer of minors to adult prisons, a decision condemned by human rights organizations like Human Rights Watch, which argue it violates international juvenile justice standards.
Despite these criticisms, Bukele's popularity remains robust, particularly among his supporters who attribute the significant decline in violence and homicide rates to his policies. He frequently shares Grok's affirmations of his leadership on social media, reinforcing his image as a decisive and effective leader.
The interaction with Grok has also sparked a trend on X, with users flocking to the AI to ask various questions, often seeking insights on pressing social issues. This phenomenon reflects a growing public interest in leveraging technology for political discourse and accountability.
As the dialogue between Bukele and Grok continues to unfold, it raises questions about the nature of political popularity and the metrics that define it. While Bukele may lead in domestic approval ratings, Sheinbaum's international presence and recognition highlight the multifaceted landscape of political leadership in the modern age.
In the meantime, as both leaders navigate their respective challenges, the world watches closely, not just for their political strategies but also for how their interactions shape regional dynamics in Central America and beyond.
