US3 min(s) read
Published 10:49 09 Jun 2026 GMT
US Vice President JD Vance has revealed that the death of his friend Charlie Kirk played a major role in his family's decision to have another child.
Vance and his wife, Usha, are already parents to three children — nine-year-old Ewan, six-year-old Vivek and four-year-old Mirabel. The couple is now preparing to welcome their fourth child, a baby boy, later this year.
In his forthcoming book, Communion: Finding My Way Back to Faith, Vance reflects on the impact Kirk's death had on both him and his family.
In an excerpt published by The Wall Street Journal, the vice president explained that a conversation between Usha and Kirk's widow, Erika, proved particularly significant.
"As my wife held Charlie Kirk's widow on the first day of her terrible sorrow, Erika [Kirk] told Usha between sobs that she regretted having only two kids with Charlie," Vance wrote.
He went on to explain that he had wanted another child for some time, but Usha had previously felt their family was complete.
"For years, I'd asked Usha to have another baby, and for years, she told me she was done, especially now that public service had elevated us into the national spotlight."
According to Vance, the tragedy ultimately changed his wife's outlook.
"But something changed for Usha, and not long after we buried my friend, she became pregnant with our fourth child, a boy."
Kirk, a conservative political commentator and founder of Turning Point USA, was killed at Utah Valley University on September 10, 2025. Tyler Robinson has been charged with his murder, and prosecutors are reportedly seeking the death penalty if he is convicted.
Kirk founded Turning Point USA in 2012 as an organization promoting conservative values on college campuses and in educational settings. Following his death, his wife Erika took over as the group's CEO.
Vance and Kirk were known to be close friends, and the vice president has continued to appear at Turning Point USA events alongside Erika since his death.
The Vances announced the pregnancy earlier this year. In a statement shared on X in January, the couple said: "We've very excited to share the news that Usha is pregnant with our fourth child, a boy. Usha and the baby are doing well, and we are all looking forward to welcoming him in late July."
The statement also thanked those helping support their family.
"During this exciting and hectic time, we are particularly grateful for the military doctors who take excellent care of our family and for the staff members who do so much to ensure that we can serve the country while enjoying a wonderful life with our children."
Alongside the announcement, the couple shared a simple message celebrating the news: "We're very happy to share some exciting news. Our family is growing."
