Erika Kirk has finally spoken about the hug she shared with Vice President JD Vance. The moment went viral and led many people online to speculate that the two might be romantically involved. The hug took place on October twenty nine during a Turning Point USA event at the University of Mississippi. Erika’s husband, Charlie Kirk, had been shot and killed in September while speaking at Utah Valley University.
During an interview with Megyn Kelly in Arizona on November twenty four, Erika talked openly about what happened. She knows many people studied her body language and the way she and Vance interacted.
Erika reacted to the rumors with a calm but firm tone. She said that people who attacked her over a simple hug probably needed kindness themselves. She said that she is a very affectionate person by nature and that physical touch is her love language. She said she would freely hug anyone who needed one.
She also described the moment step by step. She said she was walking toward Vance as he walked toward her. She began crying. Vance told her he was proud of her. She told him God bless you. She then placed her hand gently on the back of his head. She explained that she does this with many people she hugs. She always says God bless you in the same way. She said that anyone choosing to twist that moment is simply taking it out of context.
Erika made it clear that the hug was emotional, not romantic.
She also spoke about how she sees some qualities in Vance that remind her of Charlie. While introducing him at the event, she said that no one could ever replace her husband. But she did see a few similarities between Charlie and Vance. She said this made her feel honored to introduce the vice president.
Since Charlie’s death, Erika has stepped into his role as CEO of Turning Point USA, the youth organization he founded. She continues his work while grieving her loss. President Trump has also honored Charlie Kirk with the Presidential Medal of Honor, given after his passing.