JD Vance And Trump Ally Charlie Kirk Had A Tighter Knit Relationship Than We Ever Knew

JD Vance is among those mourning the death of Charlie Kirk, a prominent conservative political activist and Turning Point USA co-founder, who was fatally shot during a campus university event on September 10. He was 31 years old. The two had known each other since 2017 when Kirk sent him a quick DM on Twitter praising one of Vance's Fox News appearances. Joining a wave of supporters, Vance posted a heartfelt tribute on X in memory of his fellow MAGA champion and friend.

"Charlie was fascinated by ideas and always willing to learn and change his mind," says the vice president. "Like me, he was skeptical of Donald Trump in 2016. Like me, he came to see President Trump as the only figure capable of moving American politics away from the globalism that had dominated for our entire lives." He also honored their friendship, noting that Kirk was of the few trusted people he turned to when he considered entering national politics in 2021. Kirk, for his part, showed up without hesitation, offering him advice and giving honest feedback that would prove pivotal in his campaign.

Kirk also introduced to donors even before Vance officially announced that he was running for senate — not because he had anything to gain, but because that's who he was as a friend. Vance's reflections highlighted the deep connection he shared with Kirk. In his tribute, he described the late activist as a spiritual person and a true family man. "You ran a good race, my friend," Vance told his late pal. "We've got it from here."

In the wake of Charlie Kirk's death, a source close to JD Vance revealed that the vice president has made arrangements to personally escort Kirk's remains and his family on their flight home to Phoenix, Arizona. JD and his wife Usha Vance accompanied Kirk's family on the journey and was captured on video carrying Kirk's casket in a solemn tribute to his fellow Trump ally and friend. Kirk left behind his wife, former beauty queen Erika Frantzve, with whom he had two kids — a 3-year-old daughter and a 1-year-old son. Her final Instagram post featuring Kirk is especially heartbreaking in light of his sudden and tragic death.

Aside from JD, President Donald J. Trump has also offered his condolences to Kirk's family following his assassination. On his Truth Social platform, he honored Kirk's legacy, describing him as legendary and a champion of American youth. "No one understood or had the Heart of the Youth in the United States better than Charlie. He was loved and admired by ALL, especially me, and now, he is no longer with us." He has since denounced the fatal shooting and vowed to see justice served. "Charlie was the best of America and the monster who attacked him was attacking our whole country," POTUS warned in a pre-recorded message on September 11. "An assassin tried to silence him with a bullet, but he failed because together, we will ensure that his voice, his message, and his legacy will live on for countless generations to come."