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Trump and Musk were seated side-by-side in a packed stadium, where thousands had gathered to pay tribute to Kirk, who was shot dead earlier this month
US President Donald Trump and Tesla CEO Elon Musk shake hands during the public memorial service for right-wing activist Charlie Kirk at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Arizona. (AFP photo)
US President Donald Trump and billionaire Elon Musk appeared together in public for the first time in months at the memorial service for conservative activist Charlie Kirk, held in Glendale, Arizona, marking a reunion between the former allies.
Trump and Musk were seated side-by-side in a packed stadium, where thousands had gathered to pay tribute to Kirk, who was shot dead earlier this month at a Utah university campus.
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The pair, once closely linked during Trump’s second term, had a major falling out over government spending plans.
A short clip of the two men speaking at the memorial was widely shared online. Now, a lip-reader has shed light on what was said between them.
According to expert Nicola Hickling, Trump greeted Musk with, “How are you doing?” before adding, “So Elon, I’ve heard you wanted to chat.” He then suggested, “Let’s try and work out how to get back on track.”
In response, Musk simply nodded. Trump then tapped Musk’s hand and said, “I’ve missed you.”
The exchange appears to mark a thaw in relations between the two powerful figures.
Musk was once one of Trump’s most vocal supporters, donating over $270 million to his presidential campaign. After Trump returned to office, he appointed Musk to lead the newly formed Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), which aimed to slash government waste. The department led to thousands of job cuts in federal agencies, drawing both praise and criticism.
Their relationship later soured when Musk opposed a major tax and spending bill backed by the White House.
Musk had called the legislation “utterly insane and destructive,” and even hinted at launching his own “America First” party, though the idea never took off.
At Sunday’s memorial, however, there were signs the two may be rebuilding ties. Musk also shared a photo of the moment on his X account, simply writing, “For Charlie.”
Meanwhile, the White House also shared photos of the two sitting next to each other and engaged in a conversation.
(With inputs from agencies)
About the Author
The News Desk is a team of passionate editors and writers who break and analyse the most important events unfolding in India and abroad. From live updates to exclusive reports to in-depth explainers, the Desk d…Read More
The News Desk is a team of passionate editors and writers who break and analyse the most important events unfolding in India and abroad. From live updates to exclusive reports to in-depth explainers, the Desk d… Read More
United States of America (USA)
September 22, 2025, 16:06 IST
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