Before the president’s speech, Trump and Musk were spotted sitting next to each other in the president’s suite, along with UFC CEO Dana White.
During Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth’s speech, Trump leaned in and said something to Musk, the two both gesturing and the tech billionaire nodding repeatedly.
The reunion of Trump and his onetime “first buddy” appears to be the first time the two have been seen together publicly since the president honoured Musk at the conclusion of his government service with DOGE in May.
The two subsequently had a high-profile falling-out on social media over disagreements about the president’s policy agenda bill and threats by Musk to start a new political party.
Kirk was somewhat of a mediator between Musk and Trump after their falling-out.
He had remained in touch with Musk, often texting him, including to tell him that his negative rhetoric about the policy bill would harm Trump’s overall agenda, a source told CNN.
Musk was receptive to Kirk and his feedback, the source said.
Musk posted a photo on X of his reunion with Trump, with the caption: “For Charlie”.
In his speech, Trump noted all the VIPs who had gathered in Arizona for the memorial, including the vice president, House Speaker Mike Johnson and a number of Republican senators.
He praised Kirk’s ability to draw a big crowd.
“This is like an old-time revival, isn’t it?” Trump said.
