When your husband is the vice president and someone catches him in a moment straight out of an audition for a romance novel cover with a recent widow, the internet has thoughts.
Usha Vance found herself at the center of an unexpected social media storm after photos surfaced of her husband, Vice President JD Vance, in what many deemed an overly intimate embrace with Erika Kirk, the widow of Turning Point USA founder Charlie Kirk. The images, taken at an event on Oct. 29 at the University of Mississippi in Oxford, where Erika spoke on behalf of her late husband’s organization, sent social media into a frenzy of speculation, concern, and unsolicited marital advice.
The photos captured a moment that raised eyebrows across multiple platforms. Vice President Vance appeared to be holding Erika close, with his hands positioned on her waist and cradling the back of her neck as they gazed at each other. For many observers, the body language spoke volumes, triggering a wave of protective commentary aimed at Usha Vance.
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“The back of the head grab is flagrant lol,” one person noted, highlighting what they saw as crossing a line of appropriate public interaction.
The back of the head grab is flagrant lol https://t.co/mYmQC8DNBc
— Justin
Boldaji (@justinboldaji) October 30, 2025
The observation sparked thousands of reactions from people who felt the embrace went beyond standard political courtesy.
The backlash intensified when eagle-eyed users began analyzing other images showing the relationship between the Vances and Erika Kirk. Photos emerged of both couples walking together after Charlie Kirk’s passing, including images of the two wives holding hands while descending from a plane, leading some to suggest Erika might be “being shady” in her interactions with the vice president.
Social media users didn’t hold back their warnings to Usha.
“Girl Code Lesson: If a fresh widow’s holding your hand on the stairs and pressed up on your husband in public…she’s auditioning to replace you,” wrote one person, encapsulating the protective sentiment many felt toward the second lady.
Another commented bluntly, “No one hugs like this unless they’ve been intimate.”
No one hugs like this unless they’ve been intimate pic.twitter.com/QrLYK48dNs
—
(@dutchessprim) October 30, 2025
Someone else joked about the awkwardness of the situation: “WHAT’S GOING ON HERE???” they asked, adding, “If usha and the widow kirk have a cage match on the turning point halftime show to decide who gets to be the sofa queen—I will consider watching it instead of bad bunny.”
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The scrutiny extended to Erika Kirk’s appearance at the event as well. Dressed in what was described as a “freedom” T-shirt paired with skintight leather pants, her choice drew commentary.
“These words seem out of place…much like her leather pants,” one person quipped about her speech, suggesting the entire presentation felt awkward given the circumstances.
“No one will ever replace Charlie….but I do see some similarities of my husband in JD…Vice President JD Vance”
~Says Erika Kirk, widow of Charlie Kirk.These words seem out of place…much like her leather pants. pic.twitter.com/2SJ384AEWZ
— Rupa Murthy (@rupamurthy1) October 31, 2025
The tragedy that preceded this moment adds another layer of complexity.
Charlie Kirk had been speaking about gangs and gun violence at Utah State University in Orem on Sept. 10 when he was shot.
During her October speech, Erika spoke emotionally about her loss while introducing Vance, noting, “I am tremendously blessed and honored tonight to be to introduce someone I love very dearly. He was my dear friend. His wife, they are an incredible couple… No one will ever replace my husband, no. But I do see some similarities of my husband in JD … in Vice President JD Vance, I do. And that’s why I’m so blessed to introduce him tonight. He’s an amazing man.”
The situation has also reignited conversations about how Usha Vance has navigated her role as second lady.
Over the past year, observers have noted shifts in her public persona as she’s adapted to life in the political spotlight, balancing her legal career background with the demands of her new position.
As the photos continue circulating, the message from social media remains clear: many people feel protective of Usha Vance and believe the embrace crossed appropriate boundaries.
Whether this moment becomes a footnote in political awkwardness or sparks a larger conversation about appropriate conduct remains to be seen, but for now, the internet jury has delivered its verdict, and they’re firmly Team Usha.
‘No One Hugs Like This Unless They’ve Been Intimate’: Erika Kirk’s Flirty Words for JD Vance — Then That Neck Grab — Has Viewers Warning His Wife Usha