Updated Sep 21, 2025 - Politics & Policy

Musk and Trump shake hands at Kirk memorial, months after rift

Rebecca Falconer

President Trump, wearing a black jacket, white shirt and red tie, and Tesla CEO Elon Musk, wearing a black suit, white shirt and black tie, shaking hands at Charlie Kirk's memorial service. — President Trump and Tesla CEO Elon Musk shake hands during the public memorial service for conservative activist Charlie Kirk at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Arizona, on Sunday. Photo: Charly Triballeau/AFP via Getty Images

President Trump and Tesla CEO Elon Musk met during Charlie Kirk's memorial service Sunday in Arizona, some three months after their public falling out.

The big picture: Two of the world's most powerful people were once close allies, but fell out over Trump's "big, beautiful bill," after Musk attacked the president's signature law — prompting the president to suggest he could cancel his former adviser and biggest political donor's government contracts.

State of play: After Trump and Musk were captured on camera shaking hands behind bullet-proof glass at the memorial service at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Ariz., the SpaceX CEO posted a photo on his platform X with the words "For Charlie."

Trump told reporters on Sunday night that Musk "came over and said hello," which he thought was nice, per a White House pool report.
"We had a little conversation," Trump added. "We had a very good relationship but it was nice that he came over."

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Editor's note: This article has been updated with comment from President Trump, Elon Musk and further context.

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Musk and Trump shake hands at Kirk memorial, months after rift

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