JD Vance and Erika Kirk’s Warm Hug at Turning Point Event Goes Viral

Vice President JD Vance was the guest of honor at a Turning Point USA event at the University of Mississippi on Wednesday, Oct. 29 — but it wasn’t his speech that drew the most attention. A heartfelt moment during his introduction has since gone viral online.

Erika Kirk, the widow of conservative activist Charlie Kirk, now leads Turning Point USA after her husband’s assassination during a TPUSA event on Sept. 10. Opening the evening with an emotional address, she reflected on the loss, noting that it had been seven weeks since his death.

“When our team asked my dear friend, Vice President JD Vance, to speak today, I really prayed on it, because obviously it’s a very emotional day,” said Erika, 36. “But I could just hear Charlie in my heart. I could just hear him say, ‘Go reclaim that territory, babe. Go. The battle’s already won. God’s love conquers.’”

She went on to describe how Vance reminded her of her late husband: “No one will ever replace my husband. But I do see some similarities of my husband in JD — in Vice President JD Vance. I do. And that’s why I am so blessed to be able to introduce him tonight.”

When Vance, 41, took the stage, the two shared an emotional embrace. Observers noted that the vice president rested his hands on Erika’s hips as she ran her fingers through his hair. The moment quickly sparked social media chatter, with users debating whether the gesture was appropriate given the context.

Also attending the event was Vance’s wife, Usha Chilukuri Vance. Later in the evening, Vance discussed their interfaith marriage while answering questions from the audience. Raised Hindu, Usha differs from her husband, who converted to Catholicism as an adult. Vance explained that their three children are being raised in the Christian faith, and he expressed hope that his wife might one day share his beliefs.

“Most Sundays, Usha will come with me to church,” he said. “Do I hope, eventually, that she is somehow moved by the same thing that I was moved in by church? Yeah, honestly, I do wish that, because I believe in the Christian gospel and I hope eventually my wife comes to see it the same way.”