An embrace held by Erika Kirk and JD Vance last week is seemingly still on the minds of millions of Americans, who claim to have sensed something deeper between the right-wing allies.
The pair's hotly-debated hug took place at the University of Mississippi on Wednesday (29 Oct), where a Turning Point USA event was held to celebrate Erika being made the conservative movement's new CEO.
Her husband, Charlie Kirk, had previously held the position, prior to his shock political assassination earlier this year. The 31-year-old was fatally shot by a single bullet fired from suspect Tyler Robinson's gun on 10 September, whilst hosting a Republican debate at Utah Valley University.
Taking over from her late partner, mother-of-two Erika opened last week's event, making a teary speech that marked seven weeks since his murder.
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Mentioning the US' Vice President - who was in attendance as a guest of honour - the 36-year-old gushed: "When our team asked my dear friend, Vice President JD Vance, to speak today, I really prayed on it, because obviously it's a very emotional, emotional day.
"But I could just hear Charlie in my heart. I could just hear him say, 'Go reclaim that territory, babe. Go. The battle's already won. God's love conquers.'"
Erika went on to note the likeness between the 41-year-old politician and professional debater Kirk, adding: "No one will ever replace my husband, but I do see some similarities of my husband in JD— in Vice President JD Vance. I do.
"And that's why I am so blessed to be able to introduce him tonight."
Seconds later, Vance - who is married to and shares three children with lawyer Usha Chilukuri - emerged onto the stage, opening his arms to Erika.
Onlookers were surprised by the length of their embrace, however, which also saw Vance placing his hands on the widow's hips, whilst Erika ran her hands through the VP's hair.
The arguably intimate moment immediately went viral online, with some onlookers going on to speculate over the nature of their relationship, and others slamming it as inappropriate, given the nature of the get-together.
One analysed the embrace, hitting out on X (formerly Twitter): "They shouldn’t have done that in public meetings when you are an elected leader.
Too much confusion among people & Usha is in spotlight now."
Another continued: "You do not put your fingers in a man's hair like that. I do not care who she thinks she is! That is irresponsible behaviour for the role she professes to respect."
A number of supporters of the pair have since refuted the criticism, claiming it's a stretch to accuse them of anything other than support.
"Imagine being outraged over a 2.5 second hug between friends? Help me understand," one begged of the backlash.
"I think JD Vance is a good man who loves his wife Usha and his children which he made very clear in his excellent speech," another went on.
"If the left is excoriating JD for a comforting hug they’re truly scrapping the bottom of their empty barrel for any scrap of salacious gossip."
A third gushed of the politician: "Our VP and his wife have been a HUGE support to Erika during this time. Shame on you for assuming something different."
Topics: Charlie Kirk, JD Vance, Politics, US News, Sex and Relationships, Twitter
Rhianna Benson