Donald Trump and Erika Kirk’s past connection stretches back further than many realized. From Miss USA to leadership at Turning Point USA, learn about their history after Charlie Kirk’s tragic passing.
Following the heartbreaking death of her husband, Charlie Kirk, 36-year-old Erika Kirk has garnered attention not only for her leadership at Turning Point USA but also for her connection to former President Donald Trump. While the two shared a moment of public solidarity at the memorial service for Charlie on September 21, it turns out their relationship stretches back much further than many had assumed.
At the memorial, which honored Charlie’s life after he was tragically shot during a speaking event at a Utah college on September 10, Erika gave an emotional tribute to her late husband and her new role as CEO of Turning Point USA. Trump, 79, was the final speaker at the service, where he spoke passionately about Charlie’s legacy, as well as the broader impact of his work. The two were photographed embracing on stage after the event, sharing a moment of mutual support.
However, the public was surprised to learn about the deeper ties between Trump and Erika when images resurfaced from Erika’s time as a contestant in the Miss USA pageant. The photos, taken during her participation in the 2012 Miss USA competition, show Erika in a bikini in front of a panel with “Trump International Hotel Las Vegas” branding. At the time, Trump was the owner of the Miss USA pageant, a position he held for 19 years before selling the organization in 2015.
Erika, then known as Erika Lane Frantzve, had won the Miss Arizona USA title in 2011 on her 23rd birthday, which allowed her to compete in the national Miss USA pageant. According to Erika, she competed to “further my causes” and said, “What really matters is making a difference, and I want to change the world. The bling is just a bonus.”
Their paths crossed again in 2018 when Erika met Charlie for a job interview, and the two quickly became more than just colleagues. In a heartwarming video shared by Erika after Charlie’s death, he explained their “love story” to their young daughter, recalling their first meeting at Bill’s Burgers in New York City. “It started as a job interview, and I was asking all these questions… Then I realized Mama was beautiful and smart and elegant and Christlike, and so I said, ‘Forget this job interview. I want to date you,’” he fondly shared.
At Charlie’s memorial service, Trump referred to him as a “giant of his generation” and credited him for helping Trump secure support for the 2024 election. Trump also expressed admiration for Erika, calling her “incredible and beautiful,” and reassured attendees that under her leadership, Turning Point USA would grow even stronger.
Despite the grief surrounding Charlie’s passing, Erika’s resilience and leadership are set to guide Turning Point USA to new heights, with Trump expressing confidence in her ability to carry forward her late husband’s vision.
