Donald Trump and Elon Musk publicly reconciled sunday, sharing images of a handshake and a somber visit to a memorial service for Charlie Kirk, months after a highly public and acrimonious split. The meeting signals a potential thaw in relations between the former president and the tech billionaire, whose support-and subsequent criticism-played a notable role in Trump’s recent presidential campaign.
The reconciliation follows a period of escalating tension, marked by personal accusations and threats of political retaliation. Musk donated over $270m to Trump’s campaign, actively campaigning in key states, before publicly denouncing Trump’s tax and spending bill as “utterly insane and destructive.” The feud culminated in Trump suggesting he would “take a look” at deporting Musk, and Musk’s proclamation of a new “America First” party that has yet to gain traction. The renewed rapport raises questions about the future of Musk’s political ambitions and the potential for continued financial and public support for Trump.
Video of Trump and Musk at the memorial was shared by the official White House account on X,the social media platform owned by Musk. The pair’s falling out began after Musk accused Trump of being named in documents related to Jeffrey Epstein,prompting a furious response from the former president.
despite thier earlier disagreements, Musk posted an image of himself and Trump at the memorial on X, with the caption: “For Charlie.” It remains unclear whether Sunday’s meeting was their first as the public rift.
Following the election, Musk oversaw the launch of DOGE, an initiative that eliminated government jobs identified as wasteful, fraudulent, or abusive. He previously broke with Trump over the White House’s flagship tax and spending bill, and Musk accused Trump of being named in the so-called “Epstein files.” Trump threatened to deport Musk in July.
Erika Kirk, Charlie Kirk’s widow, has publicly stated she forgives the man accused of her husband’s murder.
