Vice President JD Vance will host the next episode of the Charlie Kirk Show in honor of the late conservative activist Charlie Kirk, who was fatally shot on September 10 while speaking at Utah Valley University, Vance and others confirmed.
Kirk, 31, a prominent figure in conservative student organizing and founder of Turning Point USA, was killed during a campus debate that authorities have described as a politically related attack. The suspected shooter, 22-year-old Tyler Robinson, remains in custody and has been charged with aggravated murder, according to public reports. Kirk’s death has prompted an outpouring of tributes from across Republican and conservative circles, and his family and allies have said they intend to continue his work.
Vance, who has described Kirk as a longtime friend and supporter, was among the first politicians to publicly mourn Kirk’s death. He helped carry Kirk’s coffin onto Air Force Two as it departed for the activist’s home state of Arizona the day after the shooting. Vance said he will host the podcast episode beginning midday Eastern Standard Time on Monday, according to statements shared by Kirk’s organization and news reports.
Kirk’s podcast had attracted a large audience: reports say it reached as many as 500,000 monthly listeners and accumulated more than 120 million downloads in 2024. His wife, Erika Kirk, announced that his legacy would continue through the podcast and Turning Point USA. In a public address, she urged followers to remain committed to the movement and pledged to grow the organization.
Vance recounted the origins of his friendship with Kirk in a recent tribute, saying the relationship began in 2017 after Kirk reached out with praise following a television appearance. Vance said Kirk introduced him to donors, advisers and other figures who later assisted his political career and credited Kirk with helping to organize and staff parts of the current administration. "So much of the success we've had in this administration traces directly to Charlie's ability to organize and convene," Vance said.
Erika Kirk spoke publicly for the first time since the shooting at an event where she stood beside an empty chair that had been used by her husband in his studio. She described him as a devoted father and vowed that Turning Point USA would continue to expand. President Donald Trump said he planned to attend Kirk’s funeral and told reporters he had spoken with Erika Kirk, who he said was "devastated."
Law enforcement officials have said the investigation into the shooting is ongoing. Media reports stated that a transgender housemate of the suspect has been cooperating with authorities, and that investigators were examining the circumstances of the attack. Prosecutors have charged the suspected shooter with aggravated murder; court proceedings and formal legal filings may provide additional detail in the coming weeks.
It remained unclear what long-term role, if any, others in conservative political circles will play in keeping the podcast and Turning Point USA active beyond Vance’s planned hosting appearance. Erika Kirk said she would fight to keep her husband’s work alive and urged his supporters to remain engaged.
The death of Charlie Kirk has reverberated through Washington and across conservative networks, prompting responses from elected officials, activists and donors who had been associated with Turning Point USA. In addition to tributes, some leaders have highlighted Kirk’s role in mobilizing young conservatives and in advising campaigns and officials. Organizers and Turning Point USA staff are managing immediate operational and memorial arrangements as the movement publicly mourns one of its most visible figures.
Vance’s hosting of the podcast represents one of several high-profile gestures by conservative leaders following the shooting. The episode is expected to be released as scheduled, and further announcements about the podcast’s future are expected from Kirk’s family and Turning Point USA in the days ahead.