PHOENIX—At Turning Point USA’s 2025 America Fest Thursday, Erika Kirk pledged the organization’s support behind one possible 2028 presidential candidate.
“We are going to get my husband’s friend JD Vance elected for 48 in the most resounding way possible!” said Kirk, whose husband, Charlie Kirk, was assassinated in September.
Turning Point Action, the organization’s grassroots political advocacy arm, is “locked in and mission focused” for the midterms and 2028 election. Kirk further shared that they are focused on “building the red wall” in Arizona, Nevada, and New Hampshire.
In a October interview, Vance said talk of a presidential run was “premature.”
“So my attitude is, the American people elected me to be vice president. I’m gonna work as hard as I can to make the president successful over the next three years and three months,” he told the New York Post.
In September, Vance and his wife, Usha, joined Erika Kirk to escort Charlie Kirk’s body on Air Force Two from Utah to Arizona.
Kirk also spoke on the future of TPUSA. “A year ago, my husband stood on this stage,” Kirk began, “and said ‘Lord send me,’ and boy he did.”
After her husband’s death, Erika Kirk was appointed as CEO of Turning Point USA in an unanimous decision by the organization’s board.
She shared that they are taking a “Make Heaven Crowded Tour” across the nation. In honor of Charlie Kirk’s love of debate, the “Prove Me Wrong” tour will relaunch this spring.
While dark corners of the internet celebrated Charlie Kirk’s murder, Erika Kirk also quickly became the center of conspiracy theories, threats and intense media scrutiny. She addressed that and more with a forgiving heart.
“Joy Reid probably needs a really, really good hug. And honestly, I’m here for it if she needs it. I’ve got a good hug for you … and I’ll even touch the back of your head,’” Kirk said, making light of the internet scrutiny she received following an interaction with the vice president.
Joy Reid, a former MSNBC host, reportedly made a snide remark about Vance swapping his wife Usha to marry Erika Kirk. “Wouldn’t it be the most perfect MAGA fairytale if he [Vance] finally sees the light that he needs a white queen, instead of this brown Hindu?” Reid told podcast host Jennifer Welch in November, according to Mediaite.
Kirk also shared some of the statistics from this year’s America Fest conference. She remarked that a third of attendees are students, 54% are female, all 50 states are represented, and 25 countries are represented.
“Don’t worry, guys, Egypt is not on this list,” quipped Kirk, likely alluding to a theory from podcast host Candace Owens. The crowd erupted into laughter..
Kirk finished with words of encouragement, welcoming over 30,000 attendees to the conference.
“You may not agree with everyone on this stage this weekend, and that’s OK. Welcome to America!”
Charlie “believed disagreement was something not to be canceled. It was something to confront with clarity, courage, and grace,” she added.
“The mission didn’t end with Charlie’s life,” Kirk also said.
