During a Turning Point USA event in October 2025, Erika and Vance caught attention when they shared a hug onstage. Observers claimed the interaction was “touchy,” noting that Vance placed his hands on her waist as Erika held the back of his head.
In that moment, Erika, a mother of two, expressed that she found similarities between her late husband and Vance.
“When our team invited my dear friend, Vice President JD Vance, to speak today, I prayed about it because it is, of course, a very emotional day,” she remarked. “But I could feel Charlie in my heart, telling me, ‘Go reclaim that territory, babe.’ The battle’s already won. God’s love conquers. That’s why I’m here today. No one can replace my husband, but I do see some similarities in JD.”
After facing criticism, Erika justified the intimate viral moment, emphasizing that her love language is “touch.”
“Here’s a play-by-play: They just played the emotional video. I’m walking over, [Vance] is walking over. I start to cry. He says, ‘I’m so proud of you.’ I reply, ‘God bless you,’ and touch the back of his head. Anyone I’ve hugged, whom I’ve touched the back of your head while hugging, I always say, ‘God bless you,'” she explained at a Megyn Kelly Live event in November 2025.
“They acted like you touched the back of his a–!” Megyn Kelly remarked, to which Erika replied, “I feel like I wouldn’t get as much hate if I did that!”
