Vice President JD Vance to host The Charlie Kirk Show in tribute to slain friend

Vance posted on social media, "Tomorrow, I will have the honor of hosting the Charlie Kirk Show. Please join me as I pay tribute to my friend." It airs live on Rumble as well as radio.

Vance and Kirk shared a friendship that predated Vance’s political career. In a post after Kirk’s death, Vance reflected on their long history together. He recounted how Kirk was among the first people who reached out when he launched his U.S. Senate campaign in 2021. Kirk not only connected Vance with influential figures, including Donald Trump Jr., but also became one of his fiercest advocates throughout the years.

Vance recalled the moment he received news of Kirk’s shooting via text during a West Wing meeting, and prayed for his recovery. “God didn’t answer those prayers, and that’s OK. He had other plans,” Vance wrote in his tribute, “And now that Charlie is in heaven, I’ll ask him to talk to the big man directly on behalf of his family, his friends, and the country he loved so dearly.”

Kirk’s influence extended all the way to the 2024 Republican ticket. According to Vance, the late Turning Point USA founder played a behind-the-scenes role in shaping the selection process that ultimately placed Vance on the ticket as Donald Trump’s running mate.

In addition to his upcoming role as guest host, Vance personally accompanied Kirk’s casket during its transport from Utah back to Arizona. On Thursday evening in Salt Lake City, the vice president walked alongside the flag-draped casket as it was carried by a military detail onto Air Force Two. Kirk’s widow, Erika, was visibly emotional as the casket passed before her as her close friend, Second Lady Usha Vance, stood at her side. Upon arrival in Phoenix, she deplaned holding the hand of Usha in a display of shared grief and solidarity.

From there, the casket was transported to Hansen Memorial Chapel, where Kirk will be laid to rest in the coming days. President Donald Trump has confirmed he will attend the funeral, scheduled for next weekend.