Glendale – This has been a whispered topic in the US for weeks – now the widow of murdered Trump influencer Charlie Kirk (†31) clarifies rumors about an alleged relationship with US Vice President JD Vance! At an event in Glendale (Arizona) hosted by US presenter Megyn Kelly (55), Erika Kirk explained: “Anyone who is annoyed by hugs also needs hugs.”
What happened? At an event hosted by Turning Point USA, an organization founded by Charlie Kirk (now led by Erika Kirk), Vance announced himself as a guest speaker in late October. As he walked onto the stage, Kirk greeted him with a warm hug. Vance put his hands on his hips, Kirk followed number two Donald Trump (79) with his fingers combing his hair. Three seconds of cheek fighting that caused a commotion.
This hug sparked whispers: Erika Kirk (36, left) and Vice President JD Vance (41)
Dozens of AI memes and videos about this appearance circulated on social media. Left-wing activists also joined in the hug – and accused the 36-year-old of having an affair with Vance. These rumors grew stronger because Vance was criticized for his treatment of his wife Usha (39). On the same occasion, he regretted that the lawyer did not want to follow the Catholic faith like him. He is Hindu.
Kirk, on the other hand, was a strict Catholic. When Megyn Kelly asked him about the rumours, he responded with a loud laugh – and explained that his form of ‘love language’ is touch. He gave free hugs to anyone who needed them, Kirk said. Kelly responded, referring to the hand on the back of Vance’s head: “You hugged so tight.”
Kirk Widow reveals what Vance told her
▶︎ Both expressed incomprehension towards critics’ harsh reactions. Kelly: “They act like you’re grabbing their ass.” Erika Kirk cheekily replied: “I think I’d hate less if I did that.”
In this conversation, Kirk also revealed what Vance said to him when the two of them hugged on stage. “He said, ‘I’m so proud of you.’ And I said, ‘God bless you.'” Kirk then explained his hugging habit: He put his hands on the back of everyone’s heads and said, “God bless you.”
▶︎ “That’s just me,” Kirk said. “If someone wants to take that out of context, go ahead.” In fact, there are several throwback photos of Kirk doing this move as well. Recently, US Ambassador to India Sergio Gor received a warm hug during a press conference at the White House.
Erika Kirk also hugged the US Ambassador to India, Sergio Gor (38, left) very warmly
Charlie Kirk was considered a close supporter of Vance during his lifetime and wanted to use his influence to rally support for his possible presidential bid in 2028, especially among young Americans. After her husband’s death, his widow Erika Kirk stated that she wanted to continue this mission. “My husband is very clear on this issue. One of our last conversations was about how he wants to support JD 2028.”
Kirk was killed by a targeted shot to the neck on September 10, 2025 during a panel discussion at Utah Valley University in Orem, Utah. The trial of the alleged perpetrator, 22-year-old Tyler Robinson, is scheduled to begin in 2026.
