Numerous notable figures from politics, business, and media gathered to attend Charlie Kirk’s funeral, where a surprising and much‑discussed moment occurred: Elon Musk and Donald Trump seemed to reconcile after a stretch of public estrangement. On Sunday, thousands of mourners converged at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Arizona, to honor and remember Charlie Kirk, the influential co‑founder of Turning Point USA. Kirk was tragically shot and killed on September 10 while delivering a speech at Utah Valley University as part of his organization’s comeback tour.
His sudden and violent death has reverberated across the country, triggering widespread reflection on issues such as free speech, political violence, and the future of conservative activism in the United States. The funeral service was not only a moment of mourning but also a stage for impassioned discussion about the implications of Kirk’s assassination. Elon Musk, a vocal advocate for free expression, and former President Donald Trump, who had frequently used social media to comment on Kirk’s passing and offer his condolences, were both central to these conversations.
According to official statements from the FBI, 22‑year‑old Tyler Robinson has been arrested and charged with multiple serious offenses connected to the shooting. These charges include committing a violent crime in the presence of a child, two counts of obstruction of justice, criminal discharge of a firearm causing serious bodily injury, two counts of witness tampering, and aggravated murder. The arrest marks a significant development in the ongoing investigation into this tragic act.
Amid the solemn occasion, Elon Musk and Donald Trump were seen sitting in close proximity. The two, who had publicly fallen out in recent months, briefly engaged in conversation, suggesting a possible thaw in their relationship. A professional lip reader, Nicola Hickling, later shared insight into what was said during their private exchange.
Hickling told the Mail Online that Trump first turned away from nearby UFC President Dana White to greet Musk with a simple “How are you doing?” Trump then mentioned he had heard Musk wanted to talk, to which Musk seemed to respond with a noncommittal shrug. Trump reportedly proposed: “Let’s try and figure out how to get back on track.” Musk nodded, and Trump shook his hand in a gesture that appeared to say, “I’ve missed you.” Musk acknowledged the sentiment with another nod before standing up and walking away from the exchange.
This brief interaction is striking given Musk’s resignation earlier this year from his post as head of the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), a role that had represented his cooperation with the Trump administration. Their encounter at the funeral suggests a possible revival of dialogue or at least a softening of the tension between them.
However, it seems Musk and Trump still diverge on key policy matters. In particular, they clashed over the advantages of Trump’s proposed “One Big Beautiful Bill,” a legislative plan intended to streamline government processes. Musk warned that the bill could deepen the national debt and impose billions in additional costs on taxpayers. Trump dismissed Musk’s objections as baseless, calling him a “bulls*** artist” and urging him to “go back to your roots.”
In a related matter, Musk has recently hinted that authorities may possess more information than previously disclosed regarding Donald Trump’s alleged ties to Jeffrey Epstein, a highly controversial and heavily scrutinized figure. These statements have added texture to an already complex and fraught relationship between Musk and Trump.
In sum, Charlie Kirk’s funeral did more than memorialize a prominent conservative voice—it underscored the shifting dynamics among some of America’s most powerful personalities. The brief reconciliation between Musk and Trump may foreshadow changes in alliances or future cooperation, even as unresolved tensions and disagreements endure.
