Elon Musk issues six

Elon Musk has issued a stark six-word warning on social media: “Low birth rates will end civilization.” This came in response to reports showing fertility rates across all 50 U.S. states have plummeted to record lows, with the national rate dropping to 54.5 births per 1,000 women—less than half the 1957 peak. Musk, who has fathered 14 children with four women, appears to be taking the issue personally, even reportedly offering his sperm to influencers and requesting special delivery methods to maximize his children’s intelligence. His growing family seems to reflect his deep concern over the future of human population decline.

Online, users have debated the root causes of the fertility drop. Many suggest financial insecurity is the main factor—people simply can’t afford children or don’t want them due to economic instability. With housing costs high, job markets volatile, and the looming influence of AI expected to shrink the workforce and increase inequality, many Americans feel hesitant to bring children into such uncertain conditions. Musk’s warning has reignited the conversation about societal pressures, economic barriers, and whether humanity’s future truly hinges on reversing this demographic trend.