Elon Musk claimed Thursday that 90% of Earth's population would relocate to Spain if they could, citing the country's benefits. The statement came just hours after at least nine people died and thousands of migrants crossed from Morocco into the Spanish enclave of Ceuta on July 30, 2026. Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez said Spain is mobilizing all necessary resources to respond to the situation.
The Ceuta incident
Thousands of migrants attempted to enter Ceuta, a small Spanish territory on the North African coast, on Thursday. At least nine people died during the crossing, according to local authorities. The surge overwhelmed border guards and left the enclave's reception facilities strained. Sánchez's office confirmed that Spain is deploying additional personnel and aid to manage the influx.
Musk's claim
Musk made his remark about Spain on the same day, posting on X that the country's benefits would attract 90% of the global population. It's not the first time he's made such a sweeping prediction. Earlier this year, Musk argued that free taxpayer money in the United States could draw 90% of Earth's population there. The pattern has drawn criticism for oversimplifying migration drivers.
Reality check
Researchers push back on Musk's framing. They argue that migrants are more motivated by jobs, distance, language, and family ties than by government benefits. The Ceuta crossing — a short, dangerous hop from Morocco — is a case in point: most of those who risked it were already in the region, not relocating from across the globe for Spanish welfare.
Crypto angle
The article reporting Musk's claim was published by BeInCrypto, a cryptocurrency-focused news outlet. Musk's influence on crypto markets is well documented — his tweets have moved prices on Bitcoin, Dogecoin, and others. But this time the statement is tied to a real-world humanitarian crisis, not a token. Whether the timing was coincidental or careless, it's drawn attention from both crypto and mainstream audiences.
Musk has not yet commented on the Ceuta deaths. The Spanish government is expected to release updated figures on the crossing later this week.
