JD Vance will host the Charlie Kirk Show in memory of MAGA star

Vice President JD Vance will host the next episode of the Charlie Kirk Show in honor of the late MAGA activist.

Kirk, 31, was shot dead on September 10 while debating college students at the Utah Valley University campus in a chilling tragedy which sent shockwaves across the world.

Vance was one of the first politicians to pay tribute to his late friend, and helped to carry his coffin as it was loaded into Air Force Two bound for his home state of Arizona the day after his death.

Now, Vance has revealed he will take over the microphone and host the next episode of Charlie Kirk’s podcast.

The podcast had amassed as many as 500,000 monthly listeners and was downloaded more than 120 million times in 2024 alone, and his star has only risen since his death, with thousands more fans flocking to his social media channels to hear his political takes and religious messages.

The revelation comes after Kirk’s wife Erika revealed his legacy would continue on through his podcast and his organization, Turning Point USA.

A funeral for the high profile conservative activist is planned for next week, which President Donald Trump said he will attend. 

He added that he spoke with Kirk’s wife after the tragedy and said she is ‘devastated, absolutely devastated.’

Vance and Kirk sparked up a friendship in 2017, long before the Vice President’s meteoric rise within MAGA circles.

‘A while ago, probably in 2017, I appeared on Tucker Carlson’s Fox show to talk about God knows what. Afterwards a name I barely knew sent me a DM on twitter and told me I did a great job. It was Charlie Kirk, and that moment of kindness began a friendship that lasted until today,’ Vance revealed in his moving tribute.

‘Charlie was one of the first people I called when I thought about running for senate in early 2021. I was interested but skeptical there was a pathway. 

‘We talked through everything, from the strategy to the fundraising to the grassroots of the movement he knew so well. He introduced me to some of the people who would run my campaign and also to Donald Trump Jr. “Like his dad, he’s misunderstood. He’s extremely smart, and very much on our wavelength.” Don took a call from me because Charlie asked him too. 

‘Long before I ever committed (even in my mind) to running, Charlie had me speak to his donors at a TPUSA event. He walked me around the room and introduced me. He gave me honest feedback on my remarks. He had no reason to do this, no expectation that I’d go anywhere. I was polling, at that point, well below 5 percent. He did it because we were friends, and because he was a good man. 

‘When I became the VP nominee –– something Charlie advocated for both in public and private –– Charlie was there for me.’

Vance went on to remember Kirk as a ‘true friend’ and ‘the kind of guy you could say something to and know it would always stay with him.’

‘We celebrate weddings and babies, bust each other’s chops, and mourn the loss of loved ones. We talk about politics and policy and sports and life. These group chats include people at the very highest level of our government. 

‘They trusted him, loved him, and knew he’d always have their backs. And because he was a true friend, you could instinctively trust the people Charlie introduced you to.’

Vance credited the success of the current Trump administration to Kirk’s influence.

He said: ‘So much of the success we’ve had in this administration traces directly to Charlie’s ability to organize and convene.

‘He didn’t just help us win in 2024, he helped us staff the entire government.’ 

It is unclear what the future will hold for Kirk’s podcast beyond Vance’s appearance on Monday.

The episode Vance hosts will become available from midday EST.

During a moving speech about her husband’s legacy, Erika Kirk stood beside the empty chair once used by Charlie in his studio.

She called on Kirk’s followers to become members of a church before making a vow to her late husband.

‘Charlie, I promise I will never let your legacy die, baby,’ she said. ‘I promise I’ll make Turning Point USA the biggest thing that this nation has ever seen.’ 

Kirk’s death is being treated as a political assassination. The suspected shooter, 22-year-old Tyler Robinson, remains in custody charged with aggravated murder. 

His transgender housemate has been cooperating with authorities and was reportedly ‘aghast’ when he learned of Robinson’s alleged crimes.

‘You have no idea the fire that you have ignited within this wife, the cries of this widow will echo around the world like a battle cry,’ Erika said.

‘To everyone listening tonight across America, the movement my husband built will not die. It won’t, I refuse to let that happen.

‘They should all know this: If you thought that my husband’s mission was powerful before you have no idea, you have no idea what you just have unleashed across this entire country and this world, you have no idea.’