US Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. shared a Thanksgiving lunch photo this week featuring himself with US President Donald Trump, Tesla CEO Elon Musk, Donald Trump Jr., and House Speaker Mike Johnson, drawing attention to the evolving dynamic between Trump and Musk. The image, posted on X from an undisclosed location, shows Trump and Musk seated side by side, sparking speculation that their previously strained relationship might be improving. Kennedy captioned the photo simply: "Happy Thanksgiving."

This public appearance follows an earlier encounter this month when Trump was seen tapping Musk's stomach during an Oval Office event with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, a gesture interpreted by some as a sign of reconciliation. Trump and Musk, once close political allies, had a falling out over two main issues: the release of the Epstein Files and disagreements over Trump's "Big Beautiful Bill." Musk also accused US ambassador Sergio Gor of attempting to drive a wedge between them.

Musk had briefly led Trump's Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) for five months and traveled with him to Saudi Arabia in May. Tensions escalated when Trump claimed Musk opposed the "Big Beautiful Bill" because it proposed phasing out electric vehicle tax incentives, which benefit Tesla. Their split deepened after Musk suggested in a June 5 post that Trump was mentioned in the Epstein Files—a post he later deleted. They subsequently exchanged indirect criticisms online and in interviews, reinforcing perceptions of a political and personal rift. Signs of reconciliation first appeared in September when the two were seen shaking hands at a memorial for conservative activist Charlie Kirk. The Thanksgiving photo now adds to indications that Trump and Musk may be moving toward repairing their relationship.