For Immediate Release: Friday, February 23, 2024
Contact: Office of Communications, Communications@MyFloridaCFO.com, 850.413.2842

CFO Jimmy Patronis Endorses Elon Musk for Nobel Peace Prize

~ The CFO applauded Musk for protecting free speech and giving aid to Floridians during recent hurricanes ~

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – Today, Chief Financial Officer (CFO) Jimmy Patronis sent a letter to the Nobel Foundation endorsing Elon Musk for the Nobel Peace Prize. Musk was recently nominated for the prize by a Norwegian lawmaker for his defense of free speech and increasing knowledge of Earth and space.

Read the full letter HERE or below.

The Nobel Foundation

Nobel Prize Outreach
P.O. Box 5232, SE-102 45

Stockholm, Sweden

Dear Nobel Foundation,

As Florida’s Chief Financial Officer and State Fire Marshal, I felt compelled to share my enthusiasm for the work of Elon Musk and give him my wholehearted endorsement for the Nobel Peace Prize. His tireless advocacy for two essential ideals, including free speech and universal internet access, has forever changed the world for the better. In a world increasingly caught up in censorship, cancel culture, and digital divides, Musk’s beliefs shine as a beacon of progress, creating a path toward a brighter, more connected future for humanity.

First, imagine a world where every voice, no matter how seemingly insignificant, can find a platform to resonate. This is the dream Elon Musk championed with the purchase and overhaul of Twitter. The X platform is now on its way to fulfilling Musk’s vision of becoming a digital public square where the marketplace of ideas thrives. His unwavering belief in what some call "free speech, even if we disagree with it” resonates deeply with me. I think he would also agree that we must fight the viruses of cancel culture and censorship through transparency and access to open debate.

Secondly, I witnessed firsthand Elon Musk’s efforts to come to the aid of his fellow man following the devastation of Hurricane Ian in Southwest Florida just two short years ago. By providing immediate Starlink satellite access to Florida’s first responders and communities as they worked to recover, Musk gave hope to Floridians at their darkest moments and helped them rebuild faster. We also saw his commitment to open access for all during the War in Ukraine, giving the Ukrainians vital access to open communication, particularly during the chaotic fog of war.

Elon Musk is a disruptive force for good and his steadfast commitment to bridging the digital divide ensures that all can truly be heard. I commend him for his commitment to free speech and access for all. I truly believe there are very few visionaries and leaders in this world who deserve a Nobel Peace Prize for their commitment to improving the human experience more than Elon Musk.

Sincerely,

Jimmy Patronis

Chief Financial Officer

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About CFO Jimmy Patronis  
Chief Financial Officer and State Fire Marshal Jimmy Patronis is a statewide elected official and a member of Florida’s Cabinet who oversees the Department of Financial Services. CFO Patronis works each day to fight insurance fraud, support Florida’s firefighters, and ensure the state’s finances are stable to support economic growth in the state. Follow the activities of the Department on Facebook (FLDFS) and Twitter (@FLDFS).