Five weeks after Charlie Kirk’s assassination at Utah Valley University, his widow Erika Kirk is continuing his work as CEO of Turning Point USA. At a recent event at the University of Mississippi, she invited Vice President JD Vance, calling him “a very, very dear friend” and adding, “No one will ever replace my husband, but I do see some similarities in JD.”
Their emotional hug on stage drew attention online, with some calling Erika’s gesture — placing her hand on the back of Vance’s head — “weird” and “inappropriate.” One commenter joked, “Usha might have something to say about that hug,” referring to Vance’s wife.
The event also sparked controversy when Vance discussed his wife Usha’s Hindu background. He told the audience she grew up in “not a particularly religious” family and said, “I honestly do wish that because I believe in the Christian gospel, and I hope eventually, my wife comes to see it the same way.”
Critics accused him of downplaying her faith, with one noting, “Usha Vance is Hindu, not agnostic… They even had a Vedic Hindu wedding.” Others called Vance “a hypocrite,” warning his remarks could harm future political ambitions.
