In a surprising turn of events, Nayib Bukele, the President of El Salvador, turned to Grok, the artificial intelligence chatbot of the social media platform X, to gauge the global popularity of world leaders. On March 26, 2025, Bukele asked Grok, "Who is the most popular president in the world?" to which Grok responded with a single word: "Sheinbaum." This answer shocked many, especially considering Bukele's own high approval ratings.
Grok's response came amidst a series of inquiries from Bukele, who has actively engaged with the AI to highlight his administration's achievements. Earlier, he had asked Grok about the safest country in Latin America, to which Grok affirmed, "El Salvador." Additionally, when queried about who has reduced homicides the most in the world, Grok credited Bukele himself.
The interaction quickly went viral, with Bukele trending on social media for his unexpected inquiry and Grok's candid answer. Bukele's question to Grok was part of a broader trend where leaders are increasingly using AI technology to gauge public sentiment and compare their standings against other global figures. Grok, developed by xAI, the company founded by Elon Musk, is designed to assist users in various tasks, including answering questions and providing insights based on large datasets.
Grok's assertion that Claudia Sheinbaum, the President of Mexico, is the most popular leader globally, was based on recent surveys indicating she holds a 66% approval rating, surpassing notable figures like Donald Trump, who stands at 52%. This revelation led to discussions about the implications of AI in political discourse and public perception.
Sheinbaum's popularity has been a topic of interest, especially in light of her recent calls for respect from Bukele after he criticized the security situation in Mexico. Bukele had suggested that Mexico could adopt strategies similar to those implemented in El Salvador to combat violence, arguing that many Mexican states have populations comparable to El Salvador.
During a press conference, Sheinbaum responded to Bukele's remarks, emphasizing the need for respect in diplomatic relations. "He was elected by his people, but at the same time, we ask for respect for Mexico. Respect is always respect, and that is the characteristic of diplomacy," she stated. This diplomatic exchange highlights the delicate balance of regional politics in Central America.
Bukele's administration has been characterized by a hardline approach to crime, which has garnered him significant support within El Salvador. In 2023, the country recorded only 154 homicides, a stark contrast to the 2,390 reported in 2019 when Bukele took office. His policies have been credited with improving security, yet they have also drawn criticism from human rights organizations, which argue that his methods lead to arbitrary detentions and abuses.
The conversation about leadership popularity and effectiveness has been amplified by social media, where Bukele's engagement with Grok reflects a new era of political communication. The president's attempt to use AI to bolster his image may have backfired with Grok's unexpected answer, leading to discussions about the reliability and interpretation of AI-generated data.
As Bukele navigates his presidency, the interplay between technology, public perception, and political strategy will continue to shape his administration's narrative. The incident with Grok serves as a reminder of the unpredictable nature of public opinion and the evolving role of artificial intelligence in politics.
Moreover, the implications of Grok's responses extend beyond Bukele and Sheinbaum, as they raise questions about how leaders can leverage technology to understand their standings and the perceptions of their governance. With AI becoming an integral part of political discourse, the future of leadership may depend increasingly on the ability to adapt to new technologies and the data they provide.
In conclusion, Nayib Bukele's interaction with Grok not only highlights the complexities of political popularity but also underscores the growing influence of AI in shaping public discourse. As leaders continue to engage with technology, the outcomes of such interactions will likely play a significant role in their political fortunes.
