Independent journalist Nick Shirley has publicly thanked Elon Musk for transforming X into a free speech platform, praising the ability to share stories widely without the limitations of legacy social media. In a video montage released on December 26, Shirley emphasized that much of his coverage and influence would not be possible without Musk’s platform.

Shirley’s recent reporting exposed alleged fraud at Somali-owned daycare centers in Minnesota, revealing that several facilities had no children enrolled despite receiving federal and state funds. The videos posted on X have collectively garnered over 10 million views per post, drawing national attention to the claims.

The reporting triggered swift action from federal authorities, including DHS agents and FBI Director Kash Patel, and prompted Minnesota GOP lawmakers to draft impeachment articles against Governor Tim Walz. The lawmakers allege that whistleblower reports were ignored for seven years and tie the scandal to a $9 billion COVID-era fraud involving fake nonprofits.

While some state officials and advocacy groups have criticized Shirley’s reporting as exaggerated or potentially defamatory, they acknowledged X’s role in elevating stories that mainstream media initially overlooked. The platform’s reach allowed for rapid public engagement and increased pressure on authorities to investigate the allegations thoroughly.

Shirley’s praise highlights the growing influence of X as a platform where independent journalists can bypass traditional media gatekeepers, providing immediate exposure to stories that might otherwise remain underreported.