Donald Trump has sparked backlash online after sharing a brief moment with Erika Kirk during a ceremony in the Oval Office earlier this week.
Erika, who recently became the Turning Point USA CEO following the tragic assassination of her husband Charlie Kirk in September, attended the White House event on Monday (November 11) to honor family friend Sergio Gor, who was being sworn in as the new U.S. ambassador to India.
The event was reportedly packed, with Trump even inviting Erika to give a short speech in tribute to Gor’s appointment.
Erika Kirk Delivers Emotional Speech at White House Event
During her heartfelt remarks, Erika reflected on her late husband’s friendship with Gor and his dedication to Trump’s administration.
“Charlie loved you,” she said. “He would have been the first phone call when he found out you were taking this position. The way I was able to witness the two of you work together for years and support the president was absolutely humbling. I’m so proud of you, and Charlie is going to be with you every single day in spirit.”
Erika Kirk pictured accepting a posthumous award for her late husband, Charlie Kirk, earlier this year. Credit: Kevin Dietsch / Getty Images.
She concluded by promising to keep Gor in her prayers, calling his new role “the beginning of an incredible opportunity.”
Trump’s Kiss on the Cheek Sparks Online Debate
After Erika’s speech, Trump called out to her in the crowd before giving her a brief kiss on the cheek and a half-hug, a gesture that quickly divided public opinion online.
While the moment appeared friendly and respectful, critics on X accused the president of being inappropriate.
One user wrote: “Nasty gross old a** man.”
Another added sarcastically: “I LOVE it when my boss kisses me. Especially on TV and in front of everyone. Fun!”
Others questioned Erika’s frequent presence at recent White House events. One person commented: “No hater s*** but why do they keep her around so much? Her late husband wasn’t even an elected official, what’s the point of this exactly?”
Supporters Defend Trump’s Gesture
Despite the criticism, many came to Trump’s defense, arguing that the brief kiss was a harmless sign of affection rather than anything inappropriate.
“Trump actually seems like a really affectionate and loving person,” one supporter wrote. “I don’t know if that’s new, or if the media just never showed that side of him before.”
Another user commented: “Just a fatherly mild peck on the cheek. That’s it. Nothing more to see here, folks.”
A third added simply: “How sweet!”
A Divided Reaction
The incident only goes to show how even small gestures by Trump continue to divide public opinion, especially as he maintains a strong presence in both politics and the media. For some, it was a touching moment of humanity amid grief and ceremony; for others, it crossed a line of professionalism.
Either way, Trump’s brief kiss has once again kept him, and Erika Kirk, at the center of public debate.