In a notable public appearance, Elon Musk and U.S. President Donald Trump interacted amicably for the first time since their well-documented feud. The two men exchanged a handshake and engaged in conversation at a memorial service for the late conservative activist Charlie Kirk in Phoenix on September 21, 2025. This moment marked a significant reconciliation, fulfilling a long-held wish of Kirk, who had sought to mend relations between the two influential figures.
Charlie Kirk’s Vision for Reconciliation
According to a report by CNN, Charlie Kirk had positioned himself as a bridge between Musk and Trump, fostering relationships with both even during times of tension. In a June conversation with commentator Megyn Kelly, Kirk expressed hope for a renewed connection, stating, “I know both these guys… I am hopeful, optimistic, and will do everything I possibly can to try and bring this back together.” Kirk had also praised Musk’s acquisition of Twitter, describing it as “the most important purchase since the Louisiana purchase,” and lauded Trump’s MAGA movement.
Prior to his passing, Kirk frequently communicated with Musk, encouraging him to refrain from rhetoric that could undermine Trump’s political agenda. Despite Musk’s announcement of launching a third political party in the United States, he appeared receptive to Kirk’s advice. The sighting of Musk and Trump together at the memorial service demonstrated the effectiveness of Kirk’s efforts.
A Symbolic Turning Point
The memorial for Charlie Kirk became a symbolic turning point in the relationship between Musk and Trump. Andrew Kolvet, executive producer of Kirk’s podcast, shared a photograph of the two men together, emphasizing Kirk’s hope that they would reconcile “for Charlie.” Musk echoed this sentiment by posting a similar image on social media with the caption “For Charlie.” The official White House account later shared the same message, reinforcing the significance of the moment.
In the days following the memorial, Musk has engaged more positively with Trump on social media. His America Party PAC released images of Musk embracing Kirk’s widow, Erika Kirk, who delivered a heartfelt speech calling for forgiveness. Following her address, Musk shared a passage from the Lord’s Prayer: “Forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us.”
Kirk had expressed his desire for reconciliation between Musk and Trump earlier in the summer. He stated, “Knowing both of these men and knowing President Trump much better than Elon, but knowing both of these men, I can tell you I think that there’s going to be a peace treaty moment, a calming down, a moment where both sides come together and we know that we are stronger against the left than we are divided.”
This public interaction at the memorial not only honored Charlie Kirk’s legacy but also highlighted the potential for unity among influential figures in American politics. The future relationship between Musk and Trump may now take a new direction, reflecting Kirk’s vision for a more collaborative approach.
