President Donald Trump and technology executive Elon Musk sat together in the presidential booth during the funeral service for conservative activist Charlie Kirk on Sunday at State Farm Stadium in Phoenix, Arizona.
The memorial drew more than 200,000 people, filling the stadium to capacity and leaving thousands outside.
Musk, who traveled to Arizona to attend, described the outpouring of support as a significant tribute.
“Every seat in this giant arena that isn’t roped off for security is packed to the ceiling. Honored to be here,” Musk wrote on X, sharing a video of the crowd.
“All for Charlie Kirk.”
Every seat in this giant arena that isn’t roped off for security is packed to the ceiling. Honored to be here.
All for Charlie Kirk. pic.twitter.com/NDK6sDuqLa
— Elon Musk (@elonmusk) September 21, 2025
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In an earlier interview following Kirk’s assassination on September 10, Musk had criticized reactions from some corners of the political left.
“Our friend Charlie Kirk getting murdered in cold blood this week, and people on the left celebrating it openly. The left is the party of murder. You see how much violence there’s on the left,” Musk said.
Elon Musk: “Our friend Charlie Kirk getting murdered in cold blood this week, and people on the left celebrating it openly. The left is the party of murder. You see how much violence there’s on the left.”pic.twitter.com/aTfAYHjsHl
— Joe Rogan Podcast News (@joeroganhq) September 13, 2025
During Sunday’s service, Musk was seen speaking with President Trump and later posted a photo of the two shaking hands with the caption, “For Charlie.”
For Charlie pic.twitter.com/8092jIt319
— Elon Musk (@elonmusk) September 21, 2025
The White House also shared an image of the two men from a different angle with a nearly identical caption.
POTUS x @ElonMusk
For Charlie. pic.twitter.com/Inaf8X81Gy
— The White House (@WhiteHouse) September 22, 2025
The joint appearance came after a period of tension between Trump and Musk earlier this year.
Musk had initially worked with the administration as head of the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) before stepping down.
Disagreements escalated in June when Musk criticized Trump’s Big Beautiful Bill and publicly clashed with the president.
Musk accused Trump of being on the “Epstein list,” and Trump responded by threatening to cut off federal contracts for Musk’s companies.
Musk later apologized for the remarks, while Trump stated that he wished him well.
In July, Musk floated the idea of starting a political party of his own but did not pursue it.
Despite those disputes, Musk has aligned with the administration on several recent issues, particularly on immigration policy.
The reconciliation between the two was well received by Trump supporters online.
Many recalled Kirk’s prediction that the two men would ultimately repair their relationship.
“I actually think they are going to reconcile at some point because, deep down, they both want the same thing…..Both of these men deserve great credit for their contributions to help save civilization,” Kirk said in June.
Charlie Kirk on Elon Musk and Trump:
“I actually think they are going to reconcile at some point because, deep down, they both want the same thing…..Both of these men deserve great credit for their contributions to help save civilization.”
The reconciliation appears to be… pic.twitter.com/qRWDrNOjSw
— Green Lives Matter (@Ultrafrog17) September 21, 2025
The service featured remarks from family members, administration officials, and Vice President J.D. Vance.
One of the most emotional moments came when Erika Kirk, the widow of Charlie Kirk, told the packed stadium that she forgave her husband’s killer.
Her message drew a standing ovation and appeared to resonate with Musk, who later shared a line from the Lord’s Prayer on X.
After the service, Musk was seen meeting with Trump and senior cabinet members.
His America PAC released a photo showing Musk consoling Erika Kirk outside the venue.
Elon Musk comforts Erika Kirk after attending her husband Charlie Kirk’s massive Celebration of Life Event in Phoenix, Arizona. pic.twitter.com/8QURm6LRXb
— America (@america) September 22, 2025
Commentator Benny Johnson reported that Musk explained his decision to stand with Trump during the service.
“He told us backstage — ‘If we don’t hang together we will surely hang separately, so let us unite,’” Musk said.
He added, “I was proud to sit with MY president tonight.”
🚨 WOW! It has been revealed that Elon Musk explained why he met with President Trump – “He told us backstage – ‘If we don’t hang together we will surely hang separately, so let us unite,’” Elon said, per Benny Johnson
“I was proud to sit with MY president tonight.”
Unity. 🇺🇸 pic.twitter.com/KVSOPxqzOZ
— Eric Daugherty (@EricLDaugh) September 22, 2025