NEED TO KNOW
- Trump called Musk’s handshake “very strong, maybe the strongest since Putin.”
- Musk described the encounter as “productive,” meaning it produced camera flashes.
- Onlookers said the two men bowed solemnly to Charlie Kirk’s memory, then to themselves.
President Donald Trump and Elon Musk reunited Saturday at Charlie Kirk’s memorial, turning a solemn service into a live pilot for whatever reality show happens when two egos collide in public. The pair sat side by side, exchanged a firm handshake, and began comparing which of them had trended more on social media that week.
Trump told reporters afterward that the meeting was “nice, very nice, people are saying the nicest,” which aides clarified is the president’s highest compliment short of declaring someone “a 10.” Musk posted a photo captioned “for Charlie,” though staff later admitted he asked three times if the lighting made him look too humble.
A Truce Written in Selfies
During the service, both men reportedly bonded over their shared frustration that the memorial was not being live-streamed in 4K. At one point, Trump leaned over and whispered, “This should really be about us,” which Musk agreed to by nodding and pulling out his phone to check how many likes the handshake photo was getting.
The reconciliation comes after months of public insults, including Trump labeling Musk “a train wreck” and Musk accusing Trump of being listed in Epstein’s files “under snack bar.” But at Kirk’s memorial, they set aside those differences long enough to bask in the reflected glow of their own relevance.
What Comes Next
Political analysts warned the reunion could mark the return of one of history’s least predictable duos. Some expect Musk to resume advising the Trump administration through the Department of Government Efficiency, better known as DOGE. Others say the partnership will collapse again as soon as one of them tries to stand on the other’s speaking podium.
For now, both men appear satisfied. Trump described the moment as “bigger than the moon landing, maybe even bigger than ratings for The Apprentice.” Musk, meanwhile, confirmed he was open to another collaboration “as long as it involves attention, chaos, or preferably both.”
If Charlie Kirk wanted unity, this is about as close as America’s going to get
Dr. Lenora Crandall, Institute for Political Absurdity
