‘No One Will Replace Charlie, But...’: JD Vance–Erika Kirk's Viral Hug Sparks Divorce Rumours Online
JD Vance, the US Vice President, has once again set social media alight, this time not for his political views but for a hug. A viral video from the Pavilion at the University of Mississippi on 29 October 2025 shows Vance embracing Erika Kirk, the widow of recently assassinated conservative commentator Charlie Kirk. The clip, which captures Erika resting her hand in Vance’s hair, has quickly become the internet’s latest talking point.
The display of closeness, combined with Erika’s emotional comments about seeing “a bit of Charlie” in Vance, has fuelled intense online speculation. Many users are questioning whether the Vice President, who has faced criticism from white supremacists over his Indian-origin wife Usha Chilukuri, might be dealing with tension at home.
Longstanding Attacks Over His Marriage
Vance’s marriage to Usha has long drawn hostility from far-right figures. Last year, self-proclaimed white nationalist Nick Fuentes accused the Vice President of betraying “White identity”, linking his marriage to Usha with what he called the “systematic replacement of White people”. The remarks echoed the racist “great replacement” theory.
The issue resurfaced this week when an Indian-origin student challenged Vance during the same Mississippi event over his hardline stance on immigration and religion, asking how it aligned with his wife’s Hindu background.
Before the embrace, Erika had said, “No one will ever replace Charlie, but I see some similarities in JD Vance. He and his wife are incredible.” Her wistful tone and the physical warmth between the two have since sent social media into overdrive, with countless users speculating about the state of Vance’s marriage.
Vance’s Response on Faith and Family
Vance, who converted from evangelical Protestantism to Catholicism in 2019, responded candidly.
“Do I hope, eventually, that she’s moved by the same thing that moved me in church? Yeah, honestly, I do, because I believe in the Christian gospel, and I hope my wife comes to see it the same way.”
He added, “If she doesn’t, God says everybody has free will.”
Despite this clarification, online observers quickly began connecting the dots, speculating that Erika Kirk’s appearance and the viral hug might hint at something deeper.
Online Reactions: ‘Hands in the Hair Is Wild’
Even President Donald Trump’s announcement of a 90,000-square-foot ballroom to replace the White House’s historic East Wing has done little to distract the internet from dissecting Vance’s moment with Erika.
Social media users pored over the clip, analysing every gesture. “Hands in the hair is wild. I’m a hugger, but that’s intimate,” one user remarked. Another influencer wrote, “Pack it up, Usha! Fingers in the hair? That’s not friendly, that’s flirty!” A third one commented, "Her speech pattern, facial expressions… all her mannerisms are just off. It’s creepy."
Erika Kirk’s Words Add to the Speculation
Erika’s introduction of Vance only intensified the chatter. One user commented, “I mourned KFC discontinuing their honey bbq wings longer than she mourned CK," whereas another one said, "Within the same year of losing your husband… no, within the same QUARTER to say something like I loved my husband BUT!? That’s bananas. The NDs are seeing this just like you are."
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