Elon Musk Hated More Than Meghan Markle in the U.K.

Elon Musk, the CEO of Tesla and X (formerly Twitter), has hit a new low in British public opinion. According to a recent YouGov poll, Musk holds a net approval rating of -51, with 71% of respondents expressing a negative opinion of him.

By comparison, Meghan Markle, a frequent target of British tabloid criticism, fares slightly better with a net approval rating of -43. The findings underline the challenges Musk faces as he inserts himself into U.K. politics, including his contentious remarks about Prime Minister Keir Starmer and calls for a new general election.

YouGov’s polling paints a stark picture. Among British respondents, 20% view Musk positively while 71% view him negatively. Meanwhile, 22% of respondents had a positive opinion of Meghan Markle, compared to 65% negative.

The data suggests Musk’s polarizing actions, from his combative online posts to his high-profile critique of Starmer, have alienated a wide swath of the British public. Notably, his approval is low across political lines, including among Conservative Party supporters, 64% of whom view him negatively.

“Elon Musk’s association with controversy in the U.K. appears to mirror his public perception in the U.S.,” remarked Alex Evans, a political analyst. “But the British public is particularly resistant to external figures challenging their political landscape.”

Musk’s recent intervention in British politics focused on a decade-old scandal involving grooming gangs. During Starmer’s tenure as Director of Public Prosecutions, the Crown Prosecution Service faced allegations of mishandling cases involving predominantly South Asian offenders. Though no evidence links Starmer directly to those decisions, Musk seized on the controversy to attack him.

Keir Starmer responded sharply: “Those spreading misinformation are not interested in justice or victims. They are interested in themselves.”

Musk’s social media platform, X, amplifies his criticisms, but his lack of domestic popularity raises doubts about his influence. Comparisons to Meghan Markle offer a cautionary tale. While Markle initially sparked important debates on racism, mental health, and colonialism, public opinion turned against her as criticism of the royal family escalated.

“Meghan Markle’s experience shows how quickly the British public can sour on perceived outsiders,” Evans added. “Musk could face a similar fate.”

Musk’s fallout with Nigel Farage, leader of the right-wing Reform Party, highlights his increasingly tenuous support base. Musk recently criticized Farage on X, writing: “The Reform Party needs a new leader. Farage doesn’t have what it takes.” Among Reform Party voters, Musk’s net approval dropped from +28 in November to just +10 today. Even those sympathetic to his political leanings are beginning to turn away.

The grooming gangs scandal continues to ignite political tensions in the U.K. First exposed in The Times, the story revealed systemic failures by authorities, who were reportedly reluctant to act for fear of exacerbating racial tensions. Despite Musk’s attempts to tie Starmer to the scandal, experts remain skeptical of his approach. Professor Rachel James, a sociologist at King’s College London, noted: “These issues are deeply complex. Attempts to weaponize them politically often alienate more than they persuade.”

Musk’s efforts to influence British politics coincide with rising political instability. Labour’s once-commanding lead in the polls has dwindled, with the Reform Party now trailing by just one point.

Additionally, the government faces economic pressure amid rising borrowing costs. Meanwhile, Meghan Markle and Prince Harry have faced backlash after criticizing Meta’s decision to drop fact-checkers, describing it as prioritizing “profit, chaos, and control.” Their recent visit to wildfire-stricken areas in Los Angeles was also met with mixed reactions.

Musk’s incendiary remarks have sparked discussion, but with no general election scheduled until 2029, his impact on British politics remains uncertain. Will he adapt his approach to resonate with British audiences, or will his notoriety deepen his unpopularity? One thing is clear: Britain’s skepticism of high-profile outsiders remains as strong as ever.

What do you think of Elon Musk’s involvement in U.K. politics? Email us at royals@newsweek.com to share your thoughts.