Erika Kirk and Vice President JD Vance caused some eyebrows to raise and the Internet to stir over a hug that many believed was intimate.
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While at a Turning Point USA event at the University of Mississippi on Wednesday, Vance was introduced as the guest of honor. Kirk, who is the widow of recently assassinated Turning Point USA founder Charlie Kirk, announced the Vice President.
“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, emotional day,” Erika explained. “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.'”
Erika Kirk then told the event’s crowd, “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.”
The duo then hugged, with Vance resting his hands on Kirk’s hips. She then threaded her fingers in his hair.
JD Vance’s wife, Usha, was also present during the event.
Critics took to social media and shared their thoughts about the onstage moment, claiming the “body language” was a bit too personal.
Another critic then noted, “Body language DOESN’T lie. She held Vance’s head in an inappropriate close/full-body embrace! He held her around her waist.”
JD Vance Makes Interfaith Comments About His Wife Usha During the Turning Point Event
Following the awkward hug, JD Vance made unusual interfaith comments about his wife, Usha.
When asked how he and Usha have an interfaith household—she is Hindu and he is a recently converted Catholic—the vice president said they are raising their three children Christian.
He then noted that he hopes Usha will one day be “swayed” by his faith.
“Most Sundays, Usha will come with me to church,” Vance 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.