Trump and Musk Quietly Reunite at Charlie Kirk Memorial After Public Feud

At the memorial for Charlie Kirk on September 21, 2025, former President Donald Trump and tech billionaire Elon Musk were seen sitting near one another and engaging in a brief yet notable exchange, marking their first public interaction since a widely publicized feud earlier in the year. The event took place at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Arizona, where thousands gathered to pay tribute to the slain conservative activist.

They were caught on camera shaking hands and speaking. According to Trump, Musk “came over and said hello,” and they “had a little conversation.” Trump said he felt it was a positive moment, “nice that he came over,” and that they had once “had a good relationship.”

Context: What Led to the Fallout

Earlier in 2025, Musk had resigned from his role leading the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), citing disagreement with Trump’s policies.

One major flashpoint was Musk’s criticism of a piece of legislation dubbed the “Big Beautiful Bill,” which Musk argued would lead to high spending and financial irresponsibility. In turn, Trump responded with public criticism of Musk, including threats to cancel government contracts and other harsh rhetoric. The relationship had been publicly strained.

What They Seemed to Say

Lip-readers and media reports suggest the tone of the exchange was cordial. According to some decoding:

• Trump reportedly opened with “How are you doing?” to Musk.
• He added something like “So Elon, I’ve heard you wanted to chat.”
• Trump said, “Let’s try and work out how to get back on track.”
• Musk nodded in response. Trump also reportedly said, “I’ve missed you.”

However, the details are limited, and there’s no audio-verified transcript confirming everything that was said. It appears to have been a brief, symbolic gesture more than a detailed reconciliation.

Why It Matters

• Symbolic Reconciliation: The interactions signal a possible thawing in relations between Trump and Musk. In political circles, both men hold significant influence, especially among conservative voters and tech-influenced constituencies.
• Public Perception: After their falling out earlier in the year, this moment allows both to show unity, or at least civility, during a highly public and emotional event. It may help reintegrate Musk into Trump’s broader political orbit or soften perceptions of division.
• Media Attention: The footage and reporting around their meeting spread rapidly, and how it’s interpreted (reconciliation, opportunistic appearance, or purely symbolic) may influence future alliances, endorsements, or business/political decisions involving both men.

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