A strange conspiracy theory has surfaced online, claiming that Erika Kirk and JD Vance may be secretly siblings.
Social media users began speculating on the pair's relationship after they shared a moment at a Turning Point USA event.
The incident unfolded when Erika, widow of the late Charlie Kirk, took the stage to speak about her husband's legacy.
“No one will ever replace Charlie,” she remarked, before adding, “But I do see some similarities of my husband in JD, Vice President JD Vance.”
When Vance came out to join her on stage, the two embraced, and this sparked theories about the nature of their interaction.
Even a body language expert named Annie Sarnblad weighed in on the moment on TikTok.
She first commented on Vance’s hug, noting that he gave a “tight hug with a pat on the back,” which is often seen as a comforting gesture during a longer embrace. However, it was Erika’s gesture that captured the most attention.
“It’s the move to slide her hands up and grasp and cradle his hand that is getting so much attention,” Sarnblad explained. “It’s a move women do when we are in a deep kiss, which is why it looks so intimate.”
Sarnblad also pointed out another key gesture when Erika gripped the VP's shoulders, signaling “affection and closeness".
While the expert noted that grief can lead to unexpected behaviors, she concluded that this particular interaction was “wonky for sure".
Erika Kirk Addresses the Controversy
In an interview with Megyn Kelly, the 37-year-old responded to the viral attention surrounding her and Vance's hug.
She explained: “My love language is touch, if you will… so I will give you a play-by-play," and revealed that when Vance approached her, he said, “I’m so proud of you,” and she responded with, “God bless you,” while touching the back of his head.
The mom-of-two laughed off the speculation, saying, “Anyone whom I have hugged that I have touched the back of your head when I hug you, I always say, ‘God bless you.’”
Kelly, jokingly calling her an “intense hugger,” added humorously: “They were acting like you touched the back of his a**,” Erika responded with a light-hearted laugh, commenting that she probably wouldn’t face as much backlash if she had done so.
The Bizarre Sibling Theory Emerges
Despite Erika's attempt to dismiss the situation, a new, bizarre theory has emerged, with some online users suggesting that she and the vice president could actually be secret siblings from an "Ohio Breakaway Cult."
According to a post on X, the pair have Ohio roots, but there are no early records of their upbringing.
"Coincidence... or something deeper? Vance's Hillbilly Elegy paints a rough childhood – but what if parts overlap with Erika's mysterious past (obscured family, Romanian ties, sudden rise)?" the post read.
Online Users Jump On the Bandwagon
The theory quickly gained traction among some social media users, with one commenting, “JD Vance & Erika Kirk look like fraternal twins.”
Another user went further, saying: “They are brother and sister and where raised outside of the system in a breakaway cult with no paper trail, no social sec numbers, except the ones that were falsified for them. Are you ready to know more?”
The conspiracy theory even extended to AI, with one user asking Grok: “What percentage would you say her and JD Vance are sister and brother?”
As wild and far-fetched as the theory may seem, there has been no evidence to back the claim that the duo are siblings or have any familial connection beyond their professional and public lives.