US President Donald Trump and Elon Musk shared a rare public reunion on Sunday at the funeral of conservative activist Charlie Kirk, months after a bitter public feud between the former president and the Tesla CEO. The pair were seen exchanging a handshake in a private suite at State Farm Arena in Glendale, Arizona, as tens of thousands gathered to mourn Kirk, who was shot dead at a Utah college earlier this month. Video of the encounter was shared by Musk on X, captioned simply: “For Charlie”.
Lip readers watching the brief interaction have shed light on the conversation, suggesting a thaw in relations between the two. Nicola Hickling speaking to the Daily Mail saidthat Trump opened with “how are you doing” as he approached Musk. Musk appeared to shrug before Trump continued, “So Elon, I’ve heard you wanted to chat.” UFC icon Dana White also joined the exchange, prompting Trump to say, “Let’s try and work out how to get back on track.” Musk responded with a nod, before Trump added, “I’ve missed you”
The encounter comes after a tumultuous year in which Musk resigned from his position as head of the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), following criticism of Trump’s signature One Big Beautiful Bill Act. Musk warned the legislation could “cost taxpayers billions and increase government debt,” prompting a very public fallout that saw Trump call Musk a “b— artist” and threaten federal contracts with his companies. Musk also briefly suggested federal authorities held damaging information on Trump in the Jeffrey Epstein files.
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Despite the rancour, the funeral marked a moment of political symbolism. Kirk, a key figure in mobilising young conservatives and a staunch Trump supporter, had a profound impact on the 2024 election, and both Trump and Musk had been instrumental in energising Republican voters. Musk alone contributed over $270 million through his super PAC, America PAC, to support Trump, while Kirk focused on grassroots mobilisation across college campuses. Their joint presence at the memorial highlighted the enduring influence both men hold within conservative circles.
Trump used the service to pay tribute to Kirk’s legacy, calling him a “great American hero” and “martyr for America’s freedom.” Vice President J.D. Vance echoed this sentiment, urging attendees to honour Kirk by continuing his mission to defend the country and uphold Christian values. Kirk’s widow, Erika Kirk, also delivered a poignant address, forgiving Tyler Robinson, the man charged with her husband’s murder, saying: “I forgive him, I forgive him because it is what Christ did. The answer to hate is not hate.”
