In a move that could reshape the early landscape for the next US presidential race, Erika Kirk, the CEO of Turning Point USA (TPUSA) and widow of slain activist Charlie Kirk, has formally endorsed Vice President JD Vance for the presidency in 2028. Her declaration came during a speech at the TPUSA Americafest conference on Thursday, 18 December 2025, drawing cheers from the assembled crowd.
A Powerful Endorsement Shakes the 2028 Race
While Vance has not yet publicly announced a campaign, several polls already position him as a leading favourite among Republican voters. Kirk's backing, representing one of America's most influential conservative youth organisations, is seen as a significant boost to his potential candidacy. Addressing the conference, Kirk told the audience, "We are going to get my husband's friend JD Vance elected in '48 in the most resounding way possible."
The political bond between Vance and the late Charlie Kirk is well-documented, dating back to 2017. Following Kirk's assassination in Utah on 10 September 2025, Vance paid tribute, crediting the activist with playing a "pivotal role" in shaping his political career and stating that much of the administration's success traced directly to Kirk's organisational skills.
Personal Bonds and Public Speculation
The relationship between Erika Kirk and the Vice President has also been under scrutiny. At a TPUSA event in Mississippi in October, the pair shared a warm embrace on stage, which sparked unfounded rumours online about their personal connection. Kirk later addressed the speculation on a podcast with Megyn Kelly, explaining the hug was an innocent gesture of blessing and dismissing those who took it "out of context."
Earlier, in October, Kirk had noted that "no one will ever replace" her husband, but acknowledged seeing "some similarities" between Charlie Kirk and Vance. The Vice President is scheduled to speak at the ongoing Americafest conference on Sunday, which is expected to attract over 30,000 attendees.
MAGA Movement Gripped by Internal Feud
Kirk's endorsement arrives during a period of intense internal strife within the MAGA movement over the circumstances and legacy of Charlie Kirk's death. These tensions were openly displayed at the Americafest conference.
Conservative commentator Ben Shapiro used his platform on Thursday to accuse certain MAGA-aligned influencers of amplifying extremist voices and conspiracy theories about the assassination. He specifically criticised Tucker Carlson for casting baseless doubt on the official investigation, warning the movement was in danger from "charlatans" who traffic in dishonesty.
Carlson, speaking shortly after, defended his stance and said he supported Vance. He argued that the conservative movement was engaged in a "proxy war" for its future and should resist efforts to "deplatform and denounce" controversial figures.
Another prominent voice, Candace Owens, was notably absent. Owens has repeatedly promoted conspiracy theories about Kirk's death and previously accused Erika Kirk of having "Meghan Markle syndrome." However, both women announced this week that they had held an "extremely productive" four-and-a-half-hour meeting where "tensions were thawed."
During her own speech, Erika Kirk mockingly addressed several of the wilder theories, including one promoted by Owens suggesting Egyptian planes were following her. "We have 25 countries represented," Kirk told supporters. "Don't worry guys, Egypt is not on the list."
