In a move that has stirred global debate, Elon Musk, the billionaire entrepreneur behind Tesla and SpaceX, has been nominated for the 2025 Nobel Peace Prize. The nomination, submitted by Slovenian Member of the European Parliament Branko Grims, recognizes Musk’s advocacy for free speech and his efforts to eliminate political censorship on his social media platform, X (formerly Twitter)
Grims praised Musk for his “adamant defense of dialogue, free speech, and enabling the possibility to express one’s views in a continuously more polarized world.” He highlighted Musk’s commitment to rejecting pressures that could interfere with freedom of expression, describing him as a “defender of the freedom of expression”
The nomination has sparked a wide array of reactions. Supporters argue that Musk’s stance on free speech aligns with the Nobel Peace Prize’s mission to promote peace through dialogue and understanding. They point to his efforts in providing global internet connectivity through SpaceX’s Starlink and his influence in reshaping public discourse as significant contributions to peace.
However, critics question the appropriateness of the nomination, citing concerns over Musk’s management of X and its impact on public discourse. Some argue that his approach to content moderation and platform governance may not align with the ideals of open and inclusive communication
The Norwegian Nobel Committee has not yet commented on the nomination. The final decision on the 2025 Nobel Peace Prize laureate will be announced on October 10, 2025, with the award ceremony scheduled for December 10, 2025, in Oslo, Norway Wikipedia.
As the world awaits the committee’s decision, the nomination of Elon Musk for the Nobel Peace Prize continues to generate discussion on the intersection of technology, free speech, and global peace.
NO ONE EXPECTED THIS: Elon Musk Buys His Dad a $2.5M Mansion in Secret — But What Errol Did With It Changed Everything
What began as a quiet act of reconciliation between father and son has turned into an inspiring story of generosity and vision. Tech billionaire Elon Musk reportedly purchased a $2.5 million mansion for his father, Errol Musk, in an attempt to mend their often-fractured relationship. But instead of moving into the luxurious home, Errol shocked many by transforming the estate into a STEM academy for underprivileged township children.
From Private Gift to Public Impact
According to reports, Musk’s gesture was intended as a private gift — a symbol of healing after years of public tension. For decades, Elon and Errol’s relationship has been described as complicated, with both men openly acknowledging disagreements and distance.
Yet the story took a dramatic turn when Errol decided against making the mansion his residence. Instead, he announced that the property would serve as an educational hub, dedicated to science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) programs for disadvantaged youth in the surrounding communities.
The initiative is said to provide children with free access to workshops, robotics labs, and coding classes, offering opportunities rarely available in South Africa’s poorer areas.
A Surprising Move
Observers were stunned. Errol Musk, often a controversial figure in media portrayals, suddenly emerged as a catalyst for community change. His decision reframed Elon’s gesture from a personal olive branch into a broader act of social good.
“This is about the kids,” Errol was quoted as saying in local reports. “If my son gives me a gift, the best way to honor it is by turning it into something that builds the future.”
Community leaders have praised the move, noting that the academy could reshape educational opportunities for hundreds of township children.
Healing Old Wounds
For Elon and Errol, this unexpected turn may also mark the beginning of reconciliation. The Tesla and SpaceX CEO has often spoken candidly about the challenges of his upbringing. Yet insiders suggest that this shared project — combining Elon’s resources with Errol’s vision — has opened the door to more constructive conversations between them.
The symbolism is powerful: a gift meant for one person has now been extended to benefit an entire generation, creating common ground between father and son.
Global Reactions
The story has spread quickly online, with many praising both men: Elon for extending the initial gesture, and Errol for redirecting it toward education. Social media posts hailed the academy as a model for how wealth can be repurposed into lasting community impact.
Some commentators even suggested that the Musk family’s influence on technology could now expand into shaping education systems in the developing world.
A Legacy Beyond Wealth
Whether viewed as a reconciliation story, a philanthropic pivot, or simply an unexpected twist in the Musk family saga, the move highlights a larger truth: the power of wealth to transform lives depends not on possession, but on vision.
Errol Musk’s decision to transform a mansion into a STEM academy sends a powerful message — one that resonates far beyond the walls of the estate.
And for Elon, whose companies aim to “build the future,” the project may be the most personal echo yet of his own mission: using innovation to give humanity a better tomorrow.
Yes, Elon Musk Was Nominated for Nobel Peace Prize. Here’s Who Did It
Branko Grims, a Slovenian member of the European Parliament, cited Musk’s “support for the fundamental human right of freedom of speech.”
Jordan Liles
Published Jan. 29, 2025
Updated Jan. 31, 2025
Image courtesy of Getty Images
Claim:
Tech entrepreneur Elon Musk received a nomination for the Nobel Peace Prize in 2025.
A rumor circulating online in late January 2025 claimed tech entrepreneur Elon Musk received a nomination for the Nobel Peace Prize.
For example, on Jan. 29, a user on the Musk-owned social media platform X posted (archived), “BREAKING: Elon Musk nominated for Nobel Peace Prize.” Another user also claimed (archived), “Elon Musk has been nominated for the 2025 Nobel Peace Prize in recognition of his efforts to protect free speech.” Neither post featured any further information or links to news media outlets.
The rumor that someone nominated Musk for the Nobel Peace Prize was true. Branko Grims, a Slovenian member of the European Parliament, confirmed his nomination of Musk in Jan. 29 post on X (archived). The European Parliament website listed Grims as a member of the conservative Group of the European People’s Party (Christian Democrats). Politico.eu previously reported Musk received a nomination for the 2024 prize, as part of a field of 286 candidates.
Gašper Pečar, a spokesperson for MEP Branko Grims’ Cabinet, told Snopes by email, “We are confirming that the proposer MEP Branko Grims together with the co-signatories (Members of the EU Parliament, Members of national assemblies, University professors) submitted a joint proposal for nomination of Mr. Elon Musk for the 2025 Nobel Peace Prize.” The message did not reveal the names of the co-signatories.
Erik Aasheim, the head of media and communications for the Norwegian Nobel Institute, clarified the Nobel Committee “does not itself announce the names of nominees, neither to the media nor to the candidates themselves.”
In this article, we document Grims’ stated reasoning behind his nomination of Musk, as well as provide information about the number of nominees the Nobel Prize organization receives each year.
Grims’ Nomination Announcement
Grims’ X post announcing his nomination of Musk featured a screenshot of an email confirmation from the Nobel Prize organization. His post read, “The proposal that Mr. Elon Musk, for his consistent support for the fundamental human right of freedom of speech and thus for peace, receives the Nobel Peace Prize 2025, was successfully submitted today. Sincere thanks to all the co-proposers and everyone who helped with this challenging project!”
https://platform.twitter.com/embed/Tweet.html?creatorScreenName=snopes&dnt=false&embedId=twitter-widget-0&features=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%3D%3D&frame=false&hideCard=false&hideThread=false&id=1884595387463315961&lang=en&origin=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.snopes.com%2Ffact-check%2Fmusk-nominated-nobel-peace-prize%2F&sessionId=3143a8c6f3e750387299db0c12fd16f5df3a33c2&siteScreenName=snopes&theme=light&widgetsVersion=2615f7e52b7e0%3A1702314776716&width=550px
Grims’ nomination of Musk occurred in the days following the second inauguration of U.S. President Donald Trump, who on Jan. 20, his first day back in the White House, signed an executive order establishing the Musk-led Department of Government Efficiency. Musk donated $200 million to Trump’s campaign, according to The Associated Press. (Months earlier, he posted (archived) on X, “Just to be super clear, I am not donating money to either candidate for U.S. President.”)
In late December 2024, Grims said during an interview with the Brussels Signal news media outlet, “I propose that Elon Musk receives the Nobel Peace Prize for the next year because he did much more for the freedom of speech, which is a basic human right, much more than anybody else in the third millennium.” He also cited Musk’s purported crusade against censorship, and said Musk’s takeover of Twitter (now the misinformation-filled X) and Trump’s reelection stood as “the best of what [could have] happened for Western civilization in the last few years.” He also posted (archived) his proposal for Musk’s nomination earlier that month.
As of this writing, we had not yet uncovered information about other qualified nominators who may have also submitted Musk’s name to the Nobel Prize organization.
The Nobel Peace Prize Nomination Process
The Nobel Prize organization’s website provides clarifying information on its nomination, consideration and award process. It also provides perspective and context regarding the field of candidates.
“A nomination for the Nobel Peace Prize may be submitted by any person who meets the nomination criteria,” the page reads, adding that “names of the nominees and other information about the nominations cannot be revealed until 50 years later.” Aasheim noted the 50-year rule in his email to us, as well.
In 2024, the Norwegian Nobel Institute registered 286 candidates for that year’s Nobel Peace Prize — 197 individuals and 89 organizations. The year 2016 saw the highest number of nominations ever received, with 376 candidates.
The Nobel Prize organization listed several types of “qualified nominators” deemed as acceptable persons to submit nominations. Examples include members of national assemblies and national governments of sovereign states as well as current heads of state, people associated with the Norwegian Nobel Committee, specific categories of university professors and past award recipients, among others.
The annual deadline for nomination submissions falls on Jan. 31. In February and March, the Norwegian Nobel Committee “assesses the candidates’ work and prepares a short list.” After “adviser review” from March through August, in October the committee chooses Nobel Peace Prize laureates through a majority vote, then announces the names in the same month. An award ceremony follows in December.
