Vice President JD Vance served as the guest of honor at a Turning Point USA event held at the University of Mississippi on Wednesday, October 29. However, a moment during his introduction quickly went viral online.
Erika Kirk — widow of conservative activist and Turning Point USA founder Charlie Kirk — has stepped into her late husband’s role as CEO following his assassination during a TPUSA event on September 10. Opening the evening with an emotional address, Erika reflected on the difficult milestone, noting that it had been seven weeks since his death.
JD Vance is going to divorce his Indian wife, distance himself from his family, marry Charlie Kirk’s widow, and position himself as a candidate for the 2028 U.S. presidential election. https://t.co/V2UYXSs69x
— ℳ (@notsoelie) October 31, 2025
“When our team asked my dear friend, Vice President JD Vance, to speak today, I really prayed about it,” she said, her voice breaking. “It’s such an emotional day. But I could just hear Charlie in my heart saying, ‘Go reclaim that territory, babe. Go. The battle’s already won. God’s love conquers.’”
While her words struck a chord with attendees, much of the online chatter afterward focused on Erika’s onstage interaction with Vance, 41.
“No one will ever replace my husband,” she told the audience. “But I do see certain qualities of him in JD — in Vice President Vance. And that’s why I’m so grateful to introduce him tonight.”
When Vance joined her on stage, the two shared a notably intimate embrace
The vice president placed his hands on Erika’s hips, while she appeared to run her fingers through his hair, leaving it slightly tousled — a gesture that quickly became the subject of widespread discussion on social media. Many users debated whether the hug was appropriate, especially given the solemn nature of the event.
Also in attendance was Vance’s wife, Usha Chilukuri Vance. Later in the program, the vice president made headlines again while discussing how he and Usha navigate their interfaith marriage — he is a Catholic convert, and she was raised Hindu.
Asked how they approach faith in raising their three children, Vance said they are being brought up as Christians and added that he hopes his wife might one day share his beliefs
“Most Sundays, Usha joins me at church,” he said. “Do I hope that she’s eventually moved by the same thing that changed me? Yes, I do. Because I believe deeply in the Christian gospel, and I hope one day she comes to see it the same way.”
Here’s how social media users reacted:
— Mehdi Hasan (@mehdirhasan) October 31, 2025
Just a month after her husband’s death 💕
Erika Kirk, widow of Charlie Kirk, says —“I see some similarities of my husband in JD… VP Vance.”
And now JD Vance complains his Hindu wife, Usha Chilukuri Vance, won’t convert to Christianity.
Strange timing, isn’t it? pic.twitter.com/vVT4We0p3m— Manni (@ThadhaniManish_) October 31, 2025
Love is in air (within just 1 mth of husband’s death) 💕
“No one will ever replace Charlie….but I do see some similarities of my husband in JD…Vice President JD Vance”
~Says Erika Kirk, widow of Charlie Kirk.These words seem out of place…much like her leather pants. pic.twitter.com/wUFprhsBBL
— Sumit (@SumitHansd) October 31, 2025
What is going on here between JD Vance and Erika Kirk? pic.twitter.com/3GtTvDuFOO
— Maine (@TheMaineWonk) October 31, 2025
Erika Kirk: “No one will ever replace my husband…except for JD Vance who’s a wonderful man.” pic.twitter.com/thAmE9Gt53
— Stew Peters (@realstewpeters) October 31, 2025
Erika Kirk wore those pants on purpose, to remind JD Vance of his favorite leather couch. pic.twitter.com/d2EYKeY4O0
— InTheWillows (@WindyInWillows) October 30, 2025
With additional input by GVS US and Intl desk