In a surprising social media exchange, Grok, the artificial intelligence chatbot developed by X (formerly Twitter) under Elon Musk, made headlines by naming Claudia Sheinbaum, the leading presidential candidate in Mexico, as the most popular global leader — not El Salvador’s President Nayib Bukele, who is widely known for his high approval ratings and bold anti-gang policies.
What Happened?
It all began when a user on X posed a straightforward question to Grok:
“Who is the most popular president in the world?”
Grok responded by naming Claudia Sheinbaum, who is on track to become Mexico’s first female president, citing her mass appeal and historic rise in recent polls. The AI did not mention Nayib Bukele, despite his international reputation and frequent use of the platform.
Shortly after, Bukele reacted with his signature humor and sarcasm, sharing the response with laughing emojis and suggesting Grok must be "woke" or "playing politics."
The Internet Reacts
The exchange quickly went viral. Thousands of users chimed in, with some defending Sheinbaum and others rallying behind Bukele. Memes, jokes, and polls flooded X, turning the moment into a trending topic in Latin America.
Sheinbaum, a former mayor of Mexico City and candidate of the ruling Morena party, did not publicly respond — but her supporters celebrated the unexpected endorsement from the AI tool.
Why This Matters
This seemingly humorous exchange underscores a few important points:
✔️Political popularity is increasingly measured online, especially through algorithms and AI-generated opinions.
✔️Grok’s influence is growing, as users treat its answers as cultural commentary — not just tech responses.
✔️Bukele’s presence on X remains dominant, and even when trolled, he uses the platform to fuel engagement and strengthen his brand.
Who Is Claudia Sheinbaum?
✔️Leading candidate in Mexico’s 2024 presidential elections
✔️Former Mayor of Mexico City
✔️Environmental scientist and part of the left-leaning Morena Party
✔️If elected, she would be Mexico’s first female president
Her popularity has soared in recent months due to her progressive policies and support from President Andrés Manuel López Obrador.
Conclusion
While Grok’s comment may have been a humorous glitch or data-driven insight, it sparked a digital debate between two of Latin America's most influential political figures. Whether intentional or not, the AI bot's answer has placed a new spotlight on Sheinbaum’s growing global presence — and reminded the world that even presidents can get trolled by technology.
