Cliff Notes
- Donald Trump and Elon Musk shared a brief conversation at Charlie Kirk’s memorial service, despite earlier tensions and a public fallout between them.
- Trump described the interaction positively, stating it was nice for Musk to come over and that they had a “good relationship.”
- The event, attended by Trump and Musk, has raised concerns about the political climate, particularly regarding online discourse and safety in the wake of Kirk’s tragic death.
Trump and Musk’s ‘little conversation’ at Charlie Kirk memorial after bitter bust-up | US News
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Donald Trump has said he and Elon Musk had a “little conversation” when they were seen seated together at Charlie Kirk’s memorial service.
The US president and Mr Musk were pictured talking despite their spectacular public fallout earlier this year which has seen tensions between the pair continue throughout the summer.
They were seen shaking hands before Mr Musk – who also greeted other politicians – left his seat.
Asked later about the exchange, Mr Trump said: “Well, Elon came over and said hello.
“I thought it was nice that he came over. Had a little conversation.
“We had a good relationship, but it was nice that he came over.”
Mr Musk left his role in the Trump administration at the end of May after leading the newly formed Department Of Government Efficiency (DOGE).
Weeks later, in a row over the tax and spending cuts bill, Mr Trump threatened to deport the tech billionaire as their relationship reached a low point, saying, “I don’t know, we’ll have to take a look”.
Mr Trump and Mr Musk were at the State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Arizona, on Sunday to pay tribute to Mr Kirk after he was killed during an appearance at a Utah college campus on 10 September.
The speakers addressed the crowd from behind bulletproof glass.
Mr Trump said “none of us will ever forget Charlie”, while Mr Kirk’s widow, Erika, told the crowd she forgives the person who took her 31-year-old husband’s life.
The shooting has stirred fear among some Americans that Mr Trump is trying to harness outrage over the killing as justification to suppress the voices of his critics and political opponents.
It has also set off a debate about violence, decency and free speech in an era of deep political division.
Dozens of people, from journalists and teachers to TV late show host Jimmy Kimmel, have faced suspensions or lost their jobs as prominent conservative activists and administration officials target comments or references about Mr Kirk that they deem offensive or celebratory.
Mr Musk’s appearance at the memorial came as Lib Dem leader Sir Ed Davey accused him of “allowing online harm to children” on the multi-billionaire’s social media platform X.
He told Sky News’ Sunday Morning with Trevor Phillips that Mr Musk is “inciting violence” and his social media platform is actively failing to protect children.
He said if Mr Musk comes to the UK, he should be arrested.
