TradingKey - After months of public rift, U.S. President Donald Trump and Tesla CEO Elon Musk were seen together for the first time since late May at a memorial service in Arizona on September 21, hosted by conservative activist Charlie Kirk. This marks their first confirmed joint public appearance and interaction since their heated dispute over the “Big Beautiful” fiscal bill.
According to media reports, Trump and Musk sat side-by-side in a private viewing box during the event, engaging in brief conversation and exchanging handshakes. Later, Musk posted a photo on social platform X showing him speaking with Trump, captioned “For Charlie,” confirming the encounter.
Previously, Musk was one of Trump’s key financial backers and political allies, even leading the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) under his administration. However, the two publicly fell out over disagreements on fiscal policy, with Trump going as far as threatening to cancel federal contracts with Musk’s companies.
The rare joint appearance is being viewed as a significant signal of warming relations. Sources suggest that the late activist Kirk had played a mediating role between the two powerful figures before his passing.
While it remains unclear whether a full reconciliation has taken place, this informal meeting opens the door to renewed cooperation between Musk and the White House.