Erika Kirk’s Past Link to Donald Trump Resurfaces After Husband’s Tragic Death

Erika Kirk, widow of conservative activist Charlie Kirk, has become the focus of viral discussion after old photos from her beauty pageant days resurfaced online. The 36-year-old, who recently attended her husband’s memorial service in Arizona alongside Donald Trump and Elon Musk, was once a model and pageant contestant.

Internet users pointed out that Erika competed in the 2012 Miss USA pageant, which at the time was owned by Donald Trump through the Miss Universe Organization. She earned her spot after winning Miss Arizona USA 2011 on her 23rd birthday. Images of her in a bikini from that era have now been widely circulated, sparking renewed interest in her past.

At Sunday’s service, Erika moved mourners with a powerful message of forgiveness for her husband’s alleged killer, saying: “I forgive him, because it is what Christ did, and what Charlie would do.” Trump consoled the grieving widow during the event, drawing media attention to their exchange.

Following Charlie Kirk’s assassination earlier this month, Erika has stepped into a new leadership role as CEO of Turning Point USA, while also raising the couple’s two young children.