Not Donald Trump or Javier Milei: These are the only world leaders with an approval rating above 50%

Donald Trump’s ratings are falling. Javier Milei’s are too. While both still have loyal, even fanatical bases that keep them hovering near 50%, both have been hit by economic troubles that much of the electorate, fairly or not, blames on them.

But a few leaders around the world are holding above that magic 50% mark. Let’s take a look.

Nayib Bukele, El Salvador — 91%

Nayib Bukele’s sky-high approval rating stems largely from his aggressive crackdown on gang violence, which has transformed El Salvador from one of the world’s most dangerous countries into one of Latin America’s safest. His construction of a “mega-prison,” mass arrests under emergency powers, and populist social media messaging have made him a folk hero to many Salvadorans who credit him with restoring public order. Critics accuse him of authoritarianism, but for most citizens, the dramatic drop in homicides outweighs concerns about civil liberties.

Vladimir Putin, Russia — 79%

Putin’s enduring popularity in Russia is anchored in his carefully cultivated image as the guarantor of national stability and strength. State-controlled media portrays him as defending Russia against Western hostility, a narrative that resonates deeply among older and rural Russians. Despite economic sanctions and the ongoing war in Ukraine that has seen estimates of over a million Russian casualties, he maintains legitimacy through patriotic appeals, state welfare programs, and the perception that Russia has regained global clout under his leadership.

Narendra Modi, India — 72%

Narendra Modi’s consistently strong approval numbers come from a mix of economic nationalism, religious identity politics, and targeted welfare programs. Under his leadership, India has rolled out massive infrastructure projects, digital payment systems, and social initiatives like free cooking gas and subsidized housing for low-income families. Modi’s personal communication style — especially his use of Hindi idioms, radio addresses, and direct social media outreach — makes him appear accessible and decisive, reinforcing his image as a self-made leader who understands ordinary Indians.

Lee Jae-myung, South Korea — 57%

South Korea’s President Lee Jae-myung has managed to stay above the 50% mark by focusing on cost-of-living relief, energy subsidies, and stronger support for working-class families. His populist rhetoric — often aimed at corporate elites and real estate speculators — appeals to younger voters squeezed by housing prices and debt. While embroiled in corruption investigations, Lee has successfully portrayed himself as an outsider fighting entrenched interests, a message that continues to resonate across South Korea’s polarized political landscape.

Claudia Sheinbaum, Mexico — 52%

Mexico’s first female president, Claudia Sheinbaum, has inherited much of Andrés Manuel López Obrador’s popularity by pledging continuity in his social programs and anti-corruption rhetoric. Her scientific background and calm, technocratic style have reassured moderates, while her commitment to welfare spending and public security reforms keeps her close to the working-class base that powered AMLO’s success. So far, Sheinbaum’s ability to balance competence with loyalty to the populist “Fourth Transformation” movement has helped her maintain majority approval.

Mark Carney, Canada — 51%

Mark Carney’s early months as Canada’s prime minister have been marked by cautious optimism from voters impressed by his economic credentials and moderate tone. A former central banker at both the Bank of Canada and the Bank of England, Carney has positioned himself as a steady hand focused on restoring fiscal discipline while tackling housing affordability and expanding green investment. His technocratic expertise, combined with a pragmatic, unifying style after years of political fatigue, has helped him maintain majority approval among Canadians looking for competence over confrontation.

A note on approval ratings

It’s worth remembering that political approval ratings can mean very different things depending on where they’re measured. In countries with limited press freedom or state-controlled polling — such as Russia or El Salvador — surveys may exaggerate public support, whether because of government influence, self-censorship, or fear of speaking critically. In open democracies, meanwhile, polling is likely to reflect more freely expressed opinion.

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