A video of Erika Kirk hugging Vice President JD Vance at a Turning Point USA event has gone viral, causing a big online stir. The event took place at the University of Mississippi on Wednesday, October 29, 2025, where Erika, the CEO of TPUSA and widow of Charlie Kirk, introduced JD Vance as a guest speaker.
In her speech, she said she saw “similarities” between Vance and her late husband, which quickly drew mixed reactions. The hug that followed, where Erika’s hand appeared to go behind Vance’s head, made many viewers uncomfortable. Popular streamer Sneako later mocked the moment on X, saying Erika Kirk needed to “grieve her husband a little more.” The clip has now become one of the week’s most discussed political moments.
Erika Kirk compares JD Vance to her late husband Charlie Kirk during TPUSA event
During her speech at the TPUSA event in Mississippi, Erika Kirk became emotional while talking about her late husband, Charlie Kirk, who passed away last month.
She told the audience that when her team invited Vice President JD Vance to speak, she “really prayed on it” because the day was “very emotional.” She then said, “No one will ever replace my husband. But I do see some similarities of my husband in Vice President JD Vance.”
Right after that, JD Vance walked onto the stage, and the two hugged. Erika Kirk’s hand was seen resting behind his head while his hand was on her back. The moment quickly went viral after PEOPLE magazine first reported it, leading to heavy backlash online.
Sneako reacts to Erika Kirk’s viral hug with JD Vance
Streamer Sneako shared his reaction on X on Saturday, joking about the now-famous hug between both famous personalities. In a video clip, he said, “Erika Kirk was grabbing the back of JD Vance’s head, like she was about to make out with him in leather pants.”
He continued, “Erika, man, grieve your husband a little more.” Sneako also mocked her earlier speech where she compared Vance to Charlie Kirk, saying, “No man can ever compare to my husband… except JD Vance, he’s way bigger.”
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YouTuber Matt Wallace’s Post About Charlie Kirk’s Widow Erika Kirk Stirs Major Online Fight Over Hidden ‘Cry For Help’ ClaimMany users called his remarks harsh but others said he only voiced what many people were already thinking. Neither Erika Kirk nor JD Vance has responded to the criticism, but the clip continues to spread across X and TikTok.
Sehjal Gupta is a sports journalist covering US and international...
Read MoreSehjal Gupta is a sports journalist covering US and international sports, with a specialization in the NFL. She has been writing about sports since 2025, reporting on leagues, tournaments, and athletes who shape the game. A Master’s in Management adds depth to her analysis, while her love for Hollywood movies and pop culture sparks her storytelling voice, a flair that also shapes her entertainment writing, giving it the same energy and creativity she brings to sports.
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