Erika Kirk has confirmed that Turning Point USA’s internal momentum behind a potential J.D. Vance 2028 presidential bid is more than just speculation — it’s developing behind the scenes.
During her emotional conversation with Megyn Kelly in Glendale, Arizona, the widow of Charlie Kirk shared that her late husband was “very direct” about the importance of supporting the current vice president should he run in 2028.
“One of the last few conversations we had was how intentional he was about supporting J.D. for ’28,” Erika revealed, noting that Charlie believed Vance represented the kind of leadership the movement needed going forward.
Erika Kirk Praises J.D. Vance — and the Viral Hug That Sparked Debate
Just weeks before the interview, an intimate hug between Erika, 37, and V.P. J.D. Vance, 41, at a Turning Point USA event went viral across social media — igniting widespread debate about whether it crossed a line.
Erika, who stepped in as CEO of TPUSA following Charlie Kirk’s tragic assassination on September 10, addressed the controversy head-on with Megyn Kelly.
“My love language is touch,” she explained with a small laugh. “They had just played the emotional tribute video. I was already crying. J.D. walked up to me and said, ‘I’m so proud of you.’ And I said, ‘God bless you,’ and touched the back of his head — which is something I do with anyone I hug.”
Megyn Kelly responded with humor, quipping, “They were acting like you touched the back of his a–!”
Erika shot back, “Honestly, I feel like I wouldn’t have gotten as much hate if I had!”
Social Media Reaction: ‘Too Familiar’ or Misunderstood?
Despite Erika’s clarification, online reactions remain mixed.
Some users described the embrace as “too intimate,” claiming she appeared overly close to the vice president. Others defended her, calling the moment emotional and understandable given her grief, responsibility, and the tribute to her late husband.
One commenter wrote:
“Too passionate. She’s had virtually no grieving period. Something is up with her.”
Another said:
“If I saw a woman touching my husband’s head like that, I wouldn’t be okay with it. That was too familiar.”
Carrying Charlie’s Legacy — and Looking Toward 2028
Through the public criticism, Erika emphasized that honoring Charlie’s mission remains her driving purpose. And supporting J.D. Vance, she said, was part of that mission.
“No one will ever replace my husband,” she told a cheering crowd at the event. “But I do see some similarities between Charlie and Vice President Vance… and I feel blessed to introduce him.”
With Erika now leading TPUSA, and Vance heralded as a rising conservative force, the possibility of a 2028 partnership between the organization and the vice president appears increasingly likely — and, as Erika hinted, perhaps already in motion.
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