US President Donald Trump and one of the world’s wealthiest individuals, Elon Musk, met in public for the first time following their fiery dispute. This meeting took place during a memorial service for conservative activist Charlie Kirk in Arizona, where the two shook hands and conversed. On September 10, 2025, Charlie Kirk was shot dead while speaking at the Turning Point USA public debate event on the Utah Valley University Campus (UVU).
President Trump described it as a 'good moment.' He stated, 'Elon came and said hello... I think it was nice. He came; we had a brief chat. It felt good.' Elon Musk shared a photo with Donald Trump on social media, captioned 'For Charlie'. This event has become a hot topic in political circles, especially since their alliance was a major factor in Trump's 2024 election victory.
An Emotional Gathering for Trump and Musk
On September 21, a memorial service for Charlie Kirk was held at the State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Arizona, gathering approximately 95,000 attendees. These were supporters of Kirk’s 'Turning Point USA' organization. President Donald Trump, Vice President JD Vance, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, and other key Republican figures paid their respects to Kirk. During the event, Elon Musk was seen sitting beside Donald Trump in Trump's private box.
Before Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth's speech, Musk shook hands with Trump and exchanged a few words. Trump informed reporters aboard Air Force One, 'Elon came and said hello. I thought it was nice, and we had a brief conversation. Our relationship had been very good.' This photo was also shared by the White House, captioned 'For Charlie'.
Friendship and Rift between Trump and Musk
Elon Musk played a crucial role in Donald Trump's victory in the 2024 presidential election. Musk spent about $290 million supporting Trump and other Republican candidates' campaigns. At the start of Trump’s second term, Musk became one of his closest advisors, staying in the Lincoln Bedroom to lead the 'Department of Government Efficiency' (DOGE). DOGE implemented substantial changes in federal agencies, saving $206 billion by reducing layoffs and closing several departments.
However, their relationship soured in June 2025. Musk criticized Trump’s ambitious 'One Big Beautiful Bill' (a spending bill now law), mentioned Trump's name in the Jeffrey Epstein files, and announced the creation of a new political party. Trump called Musk a 'train wreck' and said he was 'off the rails,' with both launching cutting remarks at each other over social media. Trump even threatened to dismantle Musk's businesses.
Was Charlie Kirk’s Prediction Correct?
Charlie Kirk had stated on Megyn Kelly's show in June, 'I know them both well. They'll definitely reconcile. They are stronger together.' Following Kirk’s murder, this prediction seems to have come true. Paying tribute to Kirk, Trump said, 'The bullet was for everyone.' He praised the investigation into Kirk’s murder and described Kirk's wife, Erica Kirk, as 'very smart.'
Signs of a Truce between Trump and Musk
Political speculations have emerged suggesting that this meeting hints at a Trump-Musk partnership. Kirk’s murder has united the conservative movement. Social media users are referring to it as 'The Band is Back Together.' However, no formal reconciliation has been announced. The investigation into Kirk’s murder is ongoing, and security was tightened at the memorial service, with speeches delivered behind bulletproof glass.
