Executive Summary
The Story So Far
Why This Matters
Who Thinks What?
Elon Musk and President Donald Trump publicly reconciled at a memorial service for conservative activist Charlie Kirk in Phoenix on Sunday, marking their first public interaction since a notable feud. The two men were seated next to each other, shook hands, and engaged in a brief conversation, fulfilling Kirk’s expressed desire to see them mend their relationship.
Kirk’s Mediation Efforts
Charlie Kirk, who knew both Trump and Musk, had actively sought to broker a peace between the two prominent figures. In June, Kirk told Megyn Kelly he was “hopeful, optimistic and will do everything I possibly can” to bring them back together, predicting a reconciliation. He often spoke on his podcast about the need for unity against the left, believing a “peace treaty moment” would occur.
Kirk had maintained contact with Musk, even texting him to express concerns that Musk’s negative rhetoric about a major policy bill could harm Trump’s agenda. Sources indicated Musk was receptive to Kirk’s feedback, highlighting Kirk’s role as an informal mediator during their falling out.
The Phoenix Encounter
At the memorial service, Musk was photographed seated directly beside Trump. Andrew Kolvet, executive producer of Kirk’s podcast, shared a photo of the two men, writing, “Charlie so badly wanted these two men to come back together. I hope they’re saying to each other, ‘For Charlie.’” Musk later posted his own photo with Trump on X, echoing the sentiment with “For Charlie,” a message subsequently shared by the official White House X account.
Asked about the meeting on Air Force One, Trump acknowledged Musk’s gesture. “Well, Elon came over and said hello,” Trump stated, adding, “I thought it was nice that he came over. Had a little conversation. We had a very good relationship, but it was nice that he came over.” Trump downplayed the idea that the handshake was directly organized due to Kirk’s wishes.
Background and Future Implications
Despite their past disagreements, Kirk consistently expressed admiration for Musk, particularly for his purchase of what was then Twitter, calling it “the most important purchase since the Louisiana purchase.” Kirk had also voiced concerns when Musk announced intentions to launch a third party, hoping Musk would return to supporting Trump’s political movement.
While Musk had previously vowed to start his own political party, there have been no official signs of its formation. More recently, Musk has been posting positively about President Trump on social media. After the memorial, Musk’s America Party PAC posted a photo of Musk embracing Erika Kirk, Charlie’s wife, and Musk later shared a line from the Lord’s Prayer on X, “Forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us,” following Erika Kirk’s message of forgiveness.
A Public Reconciliation
The public handshake and conversation between Donald Trump and Elon Musk at Charlie Kirk’s memorial service marks a significant moment of reconciliation, aligning with Kirk’s persistent efforts to unite the two influential figures. While Trump suggested the interaction was spontaneous, the event fulfilled a widely known wish of the late conservative activist, potentially signaling a shift in their dynamic.
