Erika Kirk, the widow of conservative activist Charlie Kirk and now the head of Turning Point USA, was at the White House to witness longtime family ally Sergio Gor take the oath as the new U.S. ambassador to India. As the group gathered for photos, Trump pulled Kirk in beside him, placing a hand on hers while leaning in for a cheek kiss. Cameras captured her leaning forward slightly, lips pursed in an awkward pose as the president made the gesture.
Trump, speaking with reporters moments later, praised Kirk warmly, calling her “an exceptional woman” who has faced a difficult season following her husband’s assassination in September. He recalled how Charlie repeatedly described Erika as “the best person he’d ever known” and emphasized the close ties between the families.
While the mood inside the Oval Office remained cordial, reaction online was anything but. A wave of critical posts flooded X, with detractors using the clip as ammunition for political attacks. One user labeled Trump a “predator-in-chief,” accusing him of seeking “his daily creep fix.” Another viewer dismissed the moment as “so gross,” while others opted for strings of vomiting emojis to get their point across. Several commenters went as far as calling the president a “pervert,” escalating the rhetoric even further.
Some critics also took aim at Erika Kirk herself, questioning her decision to attend the ceremony. One user asked why she wasn’t at home with her children after the family tragedy, insisting they “needed their remaining parent.” Another sniped that she appeared to have “moved on from mourning quickly.” Others referenced her recent interaction with Senator J.D. Vance during another public event, where an affectionate hug led to renewed speculation and snarky online commentary.
The scrutiny didn’t stop there. Kirk has been the focus of several viral posts in recent weeks, with critics accusing her of being “too physical” with high-profile men. After she greeted country star Jason Aldean with a lingering hug during the Fox Nation Patriot Awards — while his wife, Brittany, stood nearby — TikTok users accused her of crossing boundaries. One viewer questioned why she “only hugs men, especially married men,” while another asked why she avoids more traditional greetings like a handshake or quick side hug.
At Monday’s White House event, Kirk was also photographed embracing Ambassador Gor tightly, her hands wrapped around the back of his head as they posed for a picture — another moment that fueled online chatter.
Despite the noise on social media, those close to Kirk say she remains focused on leading her late husband’s organization and supporting her family through a challenging chapter. For now, the Oval Office clip continues circulating widely, sparking debate from critics and defenders alike.