Activist Erika Kirk skipped a planned appearance on Tuesday at a Turning Point USA event in Georgia alongside Vice President JD Vance after receiving 'very serious threats' to her safety, according to event organizers. Her husband, activist Charlie Kirk, was fatally shot in September during an appearance at a campus event in Utah. The specific nature of the threats and who made them have not been disclosed.
Vice President JD Vance is close with the Kirk family. In September, shortly after Charlie Kirk was killed, Vance hosted a memorial episode of Kirk's podcast from the White House. Vance, joined by the second lady and Erika Kirk, flew on Air Force Two as it carried Charlie Kirk's remains to the activist's home state of Arizona. Erika Kirk and Vance provoked speculation when they shared an affectionate hug during an October appearance together at a Turning Point USA event in Mississippi, where Kirk said she saw 'similarities' between the vice president and her late husband. Second Lady Usha Vance has dismissed insinuations of a relationship between Erika Kirk and Vance as an ungrounded 'fever dream' created by the media and has said the Vances consider such talk a family joke. Erika Kirk has downplayed the speculation, describing the hug as a benign expression of her 'love language.'
The organization was going to back Vance's long-rumored 2028 presidential campaign and get the Republican elected 'in the most resounding way possible.'
Vance's appearance in Georgia comes after a string of controversies and setbacks on the world stage, including abortive negotiations in Pakistan to end the Iran war, the ongoing White House feud with the Pope, and Vance's unsuccessful bid to boost GOP ally Viktor Orban's reelection campaign in Hungary.
Meanwhile, influencer Jake Paul has aligned himself with former President Donald Trump. Jake Paul is not confirmed to be a registered Republican. He likely cannot vote in US presidential elections from Puerto Rico, where he has lived mostly since 2021. Jake Paul supported Donald Trump in the 2024 election, celebrated Trump's victory, called it a win for 'truth and God,' and attended the inauguration with his brother Logan. He also joined President Donald Trump on stage at an event in Hebron, Kentucky. Trump hinted that Jake Paul could soon venture into politics.
I'd rather just sort of live in my marriage and in the real world and less in kind of the fever dreams that surround it. So I mean, it is kind of a family joke, but also not something that I spend very much time thinking about.
Vice President JD Vance urged conservative allies to tone down the menacing debate over Charlie Kirk's death and political legacy. Vance called Charlie Kirk a friend and credited him with shaping his own career. Charlie Kirk's death has exposed deep rifts within Trump's base, with prominent figures clashing over unfounded conspiracy theories around Kirk's death.
Commentator Candace Owens has made allegations regarding Charlie Kirk's death. Owens alleged that billionaire Bill Ackman was angered by Charlie Kirk's souring views on Israel and that 'threats were made' by Ackman weeks before Kirk's death. Owens cast doubts that the text message chain between Charlie Kirk's alleged killer and lover released by authorities is authentic. A spokesman for Candace Owens told the Daily Mail that Eric Bolling is 'flat-out lying' about the relationship between Owens and Charlie Kirk. The spokesman said Candace Owens spoke at a TPUSA event as recently as last summer, and Candace and Charlie went on a college tour together in 2024. Eric Bolling does not appear to be a Turning Point USA board member per the organization's website, though Bolling has shared that he was on the 'TPUSA editorial advisory board.'
Whoever is hating on a hug needs a hug themselves. My love language is touch, if you will.
Federal law enforcement agencies are tracking several threats of unknown credibility against people planning to attend Charlie Kirk's memorial in Glendale, Arizona. Those threatened include President Donald Trump, Vice President JD Vance, and members of the Kirk family. Violent extremists and unaffiliated lone offenders may view the memorial service as an attractive attack target due to the attendance of high-profile individuals and media attention. The memo was issued by agencies including the FBI, DHS, Secret Service, and ATF.
The Department of Homeland Security designated the funeral as a Special Event Assessment Rating (SEAR) Level 1 event, meaning it will have the same level of security as the Super Bowl or the Boston Marathon. Federal agencies have no information to suggest there is a verified, credible plot against the event. Lone offenders remain the top threat, but there are also concerns about domestic extremists and foreign terror organizations. The Secret Service has been designated as the federal coordinator for the funeral.
I am making a 'prediction' that Jake Paul will one day run for political office.
Local police are preparing for a large-scale event. The Glendale Police Department expects more than 100,000 people to show up for the memorial service. People are expected to begin lining up by 2 a.m. on Sunday, with the parking lot opening at 7:00 a.m. local time. Camping in the area will not be allowed. Officers will be deployed extensively, including aircraft, drones, and helicopters.
President Donald Trump is still holding out his endorsement in the Republican Senate primary in Texas. Trump gave an endorsement to Jake Paul, who is not currently running for office. Trump's praise of Paul arrived as he has dangled a potential endorsement in the Republican Senate primary in Texas. Sen. John Cornyn is facing a runoff against Ken Paxton in the Texas Republican Senate primary. Many top Republicans are anxious for Trump to back Cornyn, who they see as a stronger general-election candidate. Trump said on social media that he would make an endorsement 'soon,' but has not appeared to be in any rush. Trump's support remains a potent force in Republican primaries.
I will give my 'total and complete' backing to Jake Paul if he runs for office.
Jake Paul rose to prominence as a vlogger and provocateur who captured headlines with brash stunts. In 2021, influencer Justine Paradise accused Jake Paul of sexual assault; Paul called the allegation '100% false.'
Trump's recent endorsements highlight his political influence. Trump declined to support Rep. Dan Crenshaw in his Republican primary last week; Crenshaw lost to a hard-right insurgent. Trump endorsed Ed Gallrein in the local Republican primary for the House in Kentucky. Gallrein is seeking to unseat Rep. Thomas Massie, an outspoken Republican who has been critical of Trump.
Trump taught me courage and that we never back down from a fight.
Unanswered questions persist about the threats against Erika Kirk and the security for Charlie Kirk's memorial service. The investigation into Charlie Kirk's death continues, with no recent updates on the alleged killer or motives disclosed. As the memorial approaches, the coordination between federal and local agencies underscores the high stakes of an event drawing intense political and public attention.
But for now, let's celebrate our friend, remember his impact, and save the debate for after his funeral.
I never said Israel murdered Charlie Kirk.
Charlie Kirk had a 'quiet break up' with Candace Owens after she got too 'down the rabbit hole for him.'
There hasn't been a communication pipeline between Kirk and Owens for many years.
Jake Paul is a 'great guy,' 'courageous guy,' 'talented guy,' and a 'hell of a fighter.'
The COVID-19 pandemic was a 'hoax.'
The sexual assault allegation is '100% false.'
Thomas Massie is a 'complete and total disaster' and Ed Gallrein is a 'true American hero.'