On Wednesday, Vice President J.D. Vance announced he will participate in a Turning Point USA event at the University of Mississippi on October 29.
Joining him will be Erika Kirk, widow of the late Turning Point USA founder, Charlie Kirk, who will make her lone public appearance at the Oxford campus.
“To honor Charlie’s legacy, we must sustain his mission,” Vance stated in a video shared on X.
“While no one can fill Charlie’s shoes, if we each contribute a piece of his vision, we can ensure his mission endures long beyond his time. Part of that effort includes these tours across college campuses,” he remarked on “The Charlie Kirk Show.”
BREAKING: @VP will join Mrs. Erika Kirk at Ole Miss on October 29 as part of the TPUSA tour.
“I’m thrilled about it… honoring Charlie means upholding his mission.” pic.twitter.com/SLvDz2tjhq
— Rapid Response 47 (@RapidResponse47) October 15, 2025
Vance expressed his intention to emulate Charlie’s approach: “I plan to deliver a brief speech, discuss pertinent issues, and primarily engage in a Q&A session with attendees. I want to listen to these students and respond to their inquiries.”
He emphasized that Kirk excelled in making genuine connections by having open discussions with students across the political spectrum.
“Following Charlie’s footsteps is my goal because it deeply engaged students. That was an integral part of Charlie’s legacy,” he observed. “It wasn’t only about addressing topics he championed; it was also about the authentic discussions he initiated.”
“Charlie faced challenging questions, whether from the left or the right, and I aim to do the same,” Vance added.
This engagement at Ole Miss will be Erika Kirk’s solitary appearance at a public event following her husband’s tragic death.
Andrew Kolvet, a spokesperson for Turning Point USA, stated that it is vital for Erika Kirk to process her grief after the loss of her husband, per a report by Fox News.
Vance acknowledged the importance of balance for her as she shoulders the responsibilities of family life alone.
“I hope she finds a way to honor Charlie’s legacy while also allowing space for her own grief and family time,” Vance remarked.
On Tuesday, former President Donald Trump honored Charlie Kirk with a posthumous Presidential Medal of Freedom.
In a proclamation recognizing October 14 as a National Day of Remembrance for Charlie Kirk, Trump stated, “Charlie dedicated his life to fundamental causes: Defending truth, fostering debate, and promoting the Gospel of Jesus Christ. He was articulate, gracious, and always open to differing views, remaining steadfast in his noble endeavor to bridge political, cultural, and philosophical divides.”
“In Charlie’s absence, it is our duty to continue his mission of advocating for cherished American ideals, speaking truth with clarity and conviction, and not shying away from challenges,” wrote Trump.
This piece originally appeared on The Western Journal.
