Erika Kirk and Vice President JD Vance recently drew criticism over what some called an unusual closeness.
Now, Donald Trump is in the hot seat after a brief Oval Office encounter that’s got social media buzzing.
“Charlie loved you”
Erika Kirk, now CEO of Turning Point following the assassination of her husband Charlie Kirk in September, was attending a White House ceremony on Monday, November 10.
The event honored a family friend, Sergio Gor, who was being sworn in as the new U.S. ambassador to India. Trump had invited Erika to speak during the ceremony.
During her remarks, Erika paid tribute to her late husband, saying:
“Charlie loved you. He would have been the first phone call when he found out if you were going to be taking this position.
“The way that I was able to witness the two of you work together for years and to champion and support the president was absolutely humbling to witness, and I am so proud of you and Charlie is going to be with you every single day in spirit. I will be praying for you every day because I know that this is just the beginning of an incredible opportunity for you.”
Called for Erika
However, it was a short moment after her speech that drew online criticism. Trump called for Erika, gave her a kiss on the cheek, and shared a half-hug with her.
While some dismissed the gesture as innocuous, others took to social media to voice their disgust.
One X user wrote: “Nasty gross old a** man.”
Another sarcastically commented: “I LOVE it when my boss kisses me. Especially on tv and in front of everyone. Fun!” A third chimed in: “Why is she even there? Disgusting and gross.”
Some critics also questioned Erika’s recent visibility, saying: “No hater s*** but why do they keeping her round so much? Her late husband wasn’t even an elected official so what’s da point of dis exactly?”
Yet not everyone viewed the moment negatively. Some defended the gesture as affectionate and innocent.
One person wrote: “Trump actually seems like a really affectionate and loving person. I don’t know if that’s just in recent times, or if it’s because the mainstream media have only ever portrayed him as a grump.”
Another said: “Just a fatherly mild peck on the cheek. That’s it. Nothing more to see here folks.” A third added simply: “How sweet!”
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