US President Donald Trump and billionaire Elon Musk have had a tumultuous relationship in the past, but recent events suggest a reconciliation between the two. Trump publicly expressed that he had missed Musk, signaling a potential thaw in their interactions.
Before the 2016 US presidential election, Musk voiced his support for Democratic candidate Hillary Clinton’s economic and environmental policies. He also critiqued Trump’s character, aligning himself more with the Democratic Party by endorsing Andrew Yang’s presidential bid in 2019.
Despite Trump’s usual harsh criticism of opponents, he lauded Musk as a “great genius” during the 2020 World Economic Forum, emphasizing the importance of recognizing innovative minds like Musk. This admiration led to a close partnership, culminating in the launch of Musk’s “DOGE” initiative.
While conflicting reports exist about the financial impact of the DOGE campaign, it ultimately strained the relationship between Trump and Musk. Musk criticized Trump’s initiatives, leading to a public dispute over the effectiveness of their collaboration.
However, a tragic incident involving Christian Conservative activist Charlie Kirk brought the two together. Kirk’s untimely death sparked shared shock and grief from Trump, Musk, and other Republican Party members, who attended his funeral in Glendale, Arizona.
At the funeral, Trump and Musk were seen exchanging friendly gestures and engaging in conversation. Trump expressed his desire to reconnect with Musk, indicating a desire to mend their relationship and acknowledging that he missed their interactions.
The encounter, witnessed by onlookers including Dana White, hinted at a potential collaboration between Trump and Musk to realign their goals. Trump discussed plans for hosting a UFC exhibition tournament on the White House grounds, featuring renowned fighters like Conor McGregor, as part of a commemoration for the Declaration of Independence’s 250th anniversary.
The event, organized by White, is anticipated to attract a large audience and serve as a unique spectacle on the White House premises. Trump praised White’s involvement and emphasized the significance of hosting such an event as part of the national celebration.