Erika Kirk, the widow of TPUSA founder Charlie Kirk, has responded to criticism of her hug with US Vice President JD Vance. She joked that she might have received less backlash for a deliberately inappropriate action than for the innocent embrace.
The controversy arose after an October 29 TPUSA event at the University of Mississippi. Erika delivered an emotional tribute to her husband, Charlie Kirk, who was tragically killed at a TPUSA event in Utah. Following her speech, she hugged Vance onstage.
In an interview with Megyn Kelly, Erika Kirk, the CEO of Turning Point USA (TPUSA), stated that the uproar says more about online culture than the hug itself. She offered a "play-by-play" of the event, defending it as a typical expression of affection.
"They’d just played the emotional video. I’m walking over, he’s walking over, I’m starting to cry," she told Kelly. As they hugged, she said, Vance leaned in and told her, "I'm so proud of you." Erika said she then whispered "God bless you" and instinctively touched the back of Vance’s head – something she insisted she does with anyone she hugs.
Erika explained that her "love language is touch" and doesn't understand the controversy surrounding the hug. She paid tribute to her late husband before introducing Vance to the stage, stating, "No one will ever replace my husband... But I do see some similarities of my husband in JD— in Vice President JD Vance."
The hug involved a tight embrace, with Erika moving her hand to the back of Vance's head, and Vance briefly resting his hands on her waist. The greeting sparked debate on social media, with users analyzing hand placements and discussing the hug's appropriateness given Erika's recent loss and Vance's marital status.
Erika has faced relentless public scrutiny since her husband's death. She defended the hug, emphasizing its innocent nature and her personal way of expressing affection.