U.S. Vice President JD Vance speaks with Turning Point USA spokesperson Andrew Kolvet during a Turning Point USA event at Akins Ford Arena at the Classic Center on April 14, 2026, in Athens, Georgia, U.S. Chip Somodevilla/Pool via REUTERS
Vice President JD Vance melted down on Tuesday after Erika Kirk, the widow of late conservative activist Charlie Kirk, skipped moderating the Turning Point USA rally in Athens, Georgia, citing "threats" she received ahead of the event.
Kirk and Vance were scheduled to appear together at the University of Georgia.
"Mr. Vice President, I am on the stage here instead of our friend, Erika Kirk, because, unfortunately, she has received some very serious threats in her direction," TPUSA's Andrew Kolvet told Vance. "It's a terrible reflection on the state of reality and the state of the country, but it underscores a larger point: she has received a lot of attacks from surprising places."
Vance said he was worried that the event may have been canceled because of the threats. Later in the conversation, he melted down at the people who had attacked Kirk since her husband's passing.
"If you’re going after Erika Kirk and not the people who are trying to destroy the United States of America, you are part of the problem, not part of the solution!" Vance said.
"Amen!" Kolvet added.