President Donald Trump sought to downplay speculation of a reunion with billionaire Elon Musk after the two were spotted side by side at conservative activist Charlie Kirk’s memorial service on Sunday. The pair — once close allies turned public rivals — were seen sitting together in a press box at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Arizona, chatting and exchanging a handshake in what onlookers described as a cordial exchange.
Trump brushes off reunion talk
Speaking aboard Air Force One after the tribute, Trump was asked whether he and the Tesla CEO would once again be joining forces. The president dismissed the idea.
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“Well, Elon came over and said hello,” Trump responded. “And, no it’s nothing to do with that. It was — I thought it was nice. And he came over. Had a little conversation. We had a very good relationship. But it was nicer that he came.”
First time spotted in public together since fallout
Sunday marked the first time the two men had been seen together since their public fallout earlier this year. In a bitter exchange on social media, Musk called on the Trump administration to release the Jeffrey Epstein files and even threatened the president with impeachment. Musk also notably came out against Trump’s “Big, Beautiful, Bill,” before its passage.
The president fired back, accusing Musk of having “Trump Derangement Syndrome” and suggested he might review some of the billionaires’ government contracts. Trump recently called Musk “80% super genius” while adding “then 20% he’s got some problems.”
From allies to adversaries
Before their split, Trump and Musk had been close political partners. Trump appointed Musk to lead what he called the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), where he oversaw steep cuts to the federal workforce, agencies and programs.
Musk had donated at least $288 million to Trump’s 2024 reelection campaign prior to his appointment with the Trump administration.
