US President Donald Trump and Tesla CEO Elon Musk were seen together at the memorial service of conservative activist Charlie Kirk, marking their first public interaction since their fallout earlier this year.
The two sat side by side in a private suite and were observed speaking during the service. A White House social media account highlighted their meeting, while Musk also posted on X with Trump, writing simply, “For Charlie.”
This reunion comes months after Musk resigned from his government role as head of the Department of Government Efficiency in May, following sharp criticism of the administration’s fiscal policies. The fallout led to tense exchanges online and Trump’s threats to cancel federal contracts with Musk’s companies. Their appearance together at the memorial is seen as a possible easing of tensions, The Hill reported.
Vice President JD Vance delivered an emotional address, urging supporters to continue Kirk’s mission. “For Charlie, we will speak the truth every single day. For Charlie, we will rebuild the United States of America to greatness. For Charlie, we will never falter, even when staring down the barrel of a gun,” Vance declared.
He hailed Kirk as both a patriot and a man of faith, calling him “a hero to the United States of America, and a martyr for the Christian faith.” Vance also condemned those who celebrated Kirk’s killing, saying it revealed “the very worst parts of humanity.”
In a deeply moving moment, Kirk’s widow, Erika Kirk, extended forgiveness to Tyler Robinson, the 22-year-old accused of fatally shooting her husband on September 10 at Utah Valley University. “I forgive him because it is what Christ did. The answer to hate is not hate,” she said, echoing the words of Jesus on the cross: “Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do.”
Charlie Kirk, 31, founder of Turning Point USA, was shot in the neck while delivering a speech. Authorities have linked Robinson to left-leaning political views, according to officials in Trump’s administration.
The memorial not only honoured Kirk’s life but also reinforced the rallying cry of his supporters: to continue his work “for Charlie.”