Tech billionaire Elon Musk made a dramatic appearance at the memorial service for murdered conservative activist Charlie Kirk, where he was spotted in deep conversation with President Donald Trump in scenes that suggest their bitter feud may be healing.
The pair's body language spoke volumes as explosive footage shared on X showed the former Department of Government Efficiency chief and the President shaking hands and engaging in intimate discussion. Trump was seen leaning in close to speak with the Tesla boss, who nodded repeatedly in apparent agreement with the commander-in-chief.
The reunion comes after a devastating fallout between the two powerhouses over Trump's controversial spending bill, which had threatened to destroy their once-tight alliance.
Musk pays emotional tribute to slain activist
In a heart-wrenching interview posted on X, Musk delivered a moving tribute to Kirk, who was gunned down in cold blood while addressing students.
"Charlie was someone who believed in dialogue and open debate," he said.
"He was man of ideas. He was a man of peace and now he has been murdered in cold blood.
"He was killed because his words made a difference. He was showing people the light and he was killed by the dark."
Billionaire spotted alone before emotional ceremony
Before the ceremony began, the world's richest man was photographed sitting in isolation, scrolling through his phone in what appeared to be a moment of quiet reflection.
"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," the SpaceX founder tweeted to his millions of followers.
Thousands gather for unprecedented memorial
Charlie Kirk's public memorial service erupted into a massive gathering at Arizona's State Farm Stadium on Sunday, where an ocean of supporters descended to pay their final respects to the conservative firebrand.
The political elite turned out in force, with President Trump, Vice President JD Vance and a who's who of Cabinet heavyweights scheduled to deliver speeches at the emotional service.
Star-studded lineup addresses grieving crowd
The powerhouse roster includes Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard, White House Chief of Staff Susie Wiles and Deputy Chief of Staff Stephen Miller.
Controversial congressman Matt Gaetz was spotted among the mourners alongside the Tesla supremo.
Trump promises to honor fallen conservative champion
While departing the White House on Sunday, a somber Trump vowed they would "celebrate the life of a great man today."
"It will be a tough day," Trump added in emotional scenes.
Widow takes center stage in grief
Erika Kirk, the activist's devastated widow, was set to address the packed arena in what promises to be the most heart-breaking moment of the service. She now leads Turning Point USA in her husband's memory.
Political heavyweights Donald Trump Jr. and media personality Tucker Carlson were also lined up to speak at the unprecedented memorial.
Full speaker lineup revealed
Turning Point USA released the complete list of speakers earlier this week, showcasing the massive political influence Kirk wielded:
President Donald Trump, Vice President JD Vance, Erika Kirk, White House Chief of Staff Susie Wiles, Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Secretary of Health and Human Services Robert F. Kennedy Jr., Secretary of War Pete Hegseth, Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard, Donald Trump Jr., Tucker Carlson, White House Deputy Chief of Staff Stephen Miller, and U.S. Ambassador to India nominee Sergio Gor.
Christian music stars Chris Tomlin, Cody Carnes, Kari Jobe Carnes, Brandon Lake and Phil Wickham led the worship portions of the service.
Fortress-like security as crowds descend
The NFL stadium, home to the Arizona Cardinals, was transformed into a fortress with Super Bowl-level security measures as the nation mourned.
A staggering 200,000 people were expected to attend the stadium, which can accommodate up to 73,000 mourners. An additional 19,000 could be housed in the Desert Diamond Arena.
Tragic shooting that shocked America
Kirk, just 31 years old and a trusted confidant of both Trump and Vance, played a crucial role in the November 2024 elections before his life was brutally cut short on September 10. The conservative champion was fatally shot by 22-year-old Tyler Robinson while addressing students at Utah Valley University.
Killer surrenders in dramatic scenes
Robinson appeared subdued and remorseful when he arrived with his parents to surrender at the Washington County Sheriff's office last Thursday, just one day after gunning down Kirk at Utah Valley University, Sheriff Nate Brooksby revealed.
"He didn't want a big SWAT team at his parent's house or his apartment," the sheriff disclosed, adding he was only involved with the surrender. "He was truly fearful about being shot by law enforcement."
Political shockwaves rock nation
Since the shocking assassination, the Republican president has vowed to launch a crushing crackdown on what he brands the "radical left" and classify certain groups as domestic terrorists. Former Democratic President Barack Obama fired back this week, claiming Trump has dangerously divided the country rather than working to unite Americans.
Media fallout continues
ABC made the explosive decision to suspend Jimmy Kimmel's late-night show indefinitely following controversial comments the host made about Kirk's brutal killing.
