Tens of thousands of people gathered together at the State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Arizona, for the memorial service of Charlie Kirk.
Kirk was a right-wing activist and co-founder of Turning Point USA. He was shot in the neck on Wednesday, September 10, 2025, during a debate event while speaking before a large crowd at Utah Valley University (UVU).
His alleged assassin, Tyler Robinson, has since been arrested and “faces single counts of aggravated murder, felony discharge of a firearm, and violent offense in the presence of a child, along with two counts each of obstruction of justice and witness tampering,” People reported at the time.
Charlie Kirk and Erika shared two children, a daughter and a son.
Ever since his tragic passing, Erika has been in the spotlight.
During the memorial service, she addressed the crowd and thanked many for their support, including President Donald Trump who shared a close connection with late Charlie Kirk.
“Mr President, my husband loved you. And he knew that you loved him too. He did. Your friendship was amazing. You supported him so well, as did he for you,” she said.
Trump also addressed the crowd while Erika Kirk stood beside him. As he wrapped up his speech, he pulled her into an embrace while the crowd erupted in applause.
Online, however, attention quickly shifted, with many social media users commenting on Trump’s facial expression during the moment. And as it turns out, it wasn’t the tragedy that brought these two close together. In fact, the paths of Trump and Erika Kirk crossed long ago.
A social media user found a photo of Erika from the time she competed at a beauty pageant. He reshared the photo, writing, “Oooooh. Erika Kirk competed in the 2012 Miss USA competition, which was owned by Trump. Her talent portion for the Miss Arizona contest was performing a dribbling exhibition with two balls. Her website still lists contact info to book her for modeling and acting.”
Erika Kirk was crowned Miss Arizona in 2011, earning her a spot in the 2012 Miss USA pageant. During that period, Kirk, who was competing under her maiden name Frantzve, said, “What really matters is making a difference, and I want to change the world. The bling is just a bonus.”
Kirk also competed in Miss Teen USA pageants. Speaking to The New Yorker, preliminary judges said Trump was involved behind the scenes, pointing out winners and making comments about contestants.
“They told us not to share how we voted with each other, but we did anyway,” one judge told the publication, adding that they were “shocked” when winners were announced, although they hadn’t been selected.
“I didn’t know what had happened. I felt ridiculous,” they added.
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