Why Everyone is Talking About JD Vance’s Controversial Hug with Widow Erika Kirk

The internet can’t stop talking about a very public hug indulged in last week by US Vice President JD Vance and Erika Kirk, the widow of political figure Charlie Kirk.

Why is a seemingly innocuous greeting sending socials into meltdown? It is customary for friends to greet each other with a hug or handshake, a gentle affirmation that we’re happy to see the person.

Well in this case, posters have given stark renderings of the optics they see, and we’re here to break it all down. Keep reading to discover why millions are losing their water over a public embrace by two friends published worldwide.

JD Vance and Erika Kirk Hug it Out

At an event last week Erika introduced JD by saying, among other things, that no one can replace her late husband, but then she added something that online denizens jumped on. According to Erika, she sees “similarities” between the two men.

The comments come on the heels of JD catching grief for his comments on his wife’s religion. JD is Catholic while his wife Usha Vance practices Hinduism, and when they married they had an inter-faith ceremony.

What Did United States Vice President JD Vance Do?

Before the touchy-feely intro by Erika, United States Vice President JD Vance was walloped online for saying that he held out hope that his first, Hindu, wife Second Lady Usha Vance, would see the light and convert to Christianity.

After the killing of Charlie Kirk in September, Erika replaced her husband as Turning Point CEO and it was at one of the company’s events that she made her controversial statements.

Erika Kirk was Married to Charlie Kirk

On stage she said: “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.”

Next Vance came onstage and he and Erika hugged tightly. It was a bit too close for some, with JD’s hands on her hips while her hand ruffled his hair.

That visual, coupled with Vance’s earlier comments about his wife, was enough to get tongues wagging.

JD and Usha Vance Comfort Erika Kirk

Two days after Charlie Vance was shot in Utah, the Vance’s and Erika flew to Arizona on Air Force Two with Charlie’s casket. The picture most published from that day shows Erika and Usha holding hands as they exit the plane.

Days after the furor over his comments about his wife, JD issued the following statement: “She is not a Christian and has no plans to convert, but like many people in an interfaith marriage–or any interfaith relationship–I hope she may one day see things as I do.

Regardless, I’ll continue to love and support her and talk to her about faith and life and everything else, because she’s my wife,” he said.

Tell us what you think of the controversial situation that has captivated social media!

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Editorial credit: Joshua Sukoff / Shutterstock.com