Donald Trump attended the memorial service for Charlie Kirk at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Arizona, on Sunday. Unlike the other speakers, the former president used his remarks to delve into politics, even going so far as to say that he “hates” his political opponents.
Among those in the crowd was Elon Musk. Although Trump and Musk have clashed in recent months, they were seen sitting together. A lip-reading expert has since revealed details of their exchange, suggesting the two may have made a commitment to one another.
Trump, along with members of his cabinet, came to pay their respects to Charlie Kirk, the conservative activist and strong Trump supporter who was fatally shot at Utah Valley University.
In a moving tribute, Kirk’s widow, Erika, said she forgives the shooter, emphasizing that her late husband never hated those who opposed him. But when Trump took the stage, the atmosphere shifted.
Calling Kirk a “great American hero” and a “martyr for freedom,” Trump also took the opportunity to discuss politics and current affairs at the White House.
“The answer to hate is not hate,” Erika said in her eulogy. “The answer is love—love even for our enemies, love for those who persecute us.”
Trump, however, offered a starkly different perspective. “He didn’t hate his opponents. He wanted the best for them. That’s where I disagreed with Charlie. I hate my opponents, and I don’t want the best for them. I’m sorry, Erika,” he told the crowd. He then added, “Charlie’s angry… he’s angry at me.”
Later, Trump sat in the VIP section, where he was joined by Musk. The billionaire had played a major role in Trump’s return to the White House earlier this year and was even appointed to oversee DOGE, tasked with cutting government spending and jobs. But after tensions flared between the two, Musk stepped away from politics, and their disagreements spilled into the public eye.
Now, it seems the rift may be softening. Cameras caught Trump and Musk in conversation, and lip-reading expert Nicola Hickling has provided insight. According to her, Trump greeted Musk by asking, “How are you doing?” and followed up with, “Let’s try and work out how to get back on track.”
Musk, shaking Trump’s hand, reportedly replied, “I’ve missed you,” before leaving the area.