Technology billionaire Elon Musk attended the memorial service for slain right-wing activist Charlie Kirk, which was held in Glendale, Arizona, DPA reported, quoted by BTA.
In footage broadcast live on television, Musk was seen briefly sitting next to President Donald Trump, talking to him, shaking his hand and then leaving. He was seen talking to Republican politicians and waving to the crowd.
Musk financed Trump's presidential campaign with more than $250 million and became a confidant of the Republican. By the end of May, Musk was leading Trump's spending cuts committee, the Department of Government Efficiency, through which he implemented significant layoffs and job cuts, leading to a major backlash against the Tesla owner.
Their relationship later soured after a partially publicized dispute over a budget measure Trump supported. Musk said Trump would not have reached the White House without his support and linked the president to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.
Musk later admitted that some of his comments had been exaggerated. In July, he announced plans to form his own political party, which have yet to materialize.
Since then, Musk has largely limited his political activity to sharing right-wing views on his social media platform "Ex", focusing primarily on the management of "Tesla".