It’s easy to look at the current political map and see JD Vance as a fixed star—the Vice President of the United States, a bestselling author, and the face of the "New Right." But if you go back to 2017, he was just a guy who’d written a famous book and was appearing on cable news to talk about it. He wasn't a senator. He definitely wasn't on a presidential ticket.
Then came a DM.
That’s how the JD Vance and Charlie Kirk friendship actually started. Not in a smoke-filled room or at a high-stakes donor retreat, but through a simple Twitter message. Kirk, who was already building Turning Point USA (TPUSA) into a powerhouse, saw Vance on Tucker Carlson’s show and reached out to say he did a great job. Honestly, it’s a bit surreal to think that the current structure of the American executive branch might have been different if Charlie hadn't hit "send" on that message.
How a Twitter DM Built a Vice Presidency
Vance has been incredibly open about the fact that he "barely knew" who Charlie Kirk was when they first connected. At the time, Vance was still living in the world of venture capital and public speaking. He was also, famously, a "Never Trump" guy in 2016. Kirk had been through a similar evolution. Both men started as skeptics of Donald Trump’s brand of populism and eventually became its most articulate defenders.
This shared intellectual journey created a bond that was more than just tactical. They weren't just two guys trying to win elections; they were two people trying to figure out where the country was going. Vance often says that Kirk was the one who convinced him that the "globalism" of the old-guard GOP was the real enemy.
The 2021 Turning Point
When Vance first thought about running for the Senate in early 2021, he didn't call a high-priced DC consultant first. He called Charlie.
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Vance was polling at less than 5% at the time. Most of the "smart money" in Ohio was looking at more traditional candidates. But Kirk saw something else. He didn't just give advice; he basically handed Vance the keys to the kingdom. He introduced him to Donald Trump Jr., who became one of Vance's most loyal allies. He walked him around rooms full of TPUSA donors, vouching for a guy who was, at that point, still an underdog.
Without Kirk’s "grassroots army," Vance likely never becomes a "credible selection" for Trump’s VP pick. It’s a bold claim, but Vance has said it himself: "If it weren't for Charlie Kirk, I would not be the Vice President of the United States."
Faith, Football, and Group Chats
Beyond the rallies and the podcast appearances, the JD Vance and Charlie Kirk friendship had a deeply personal side that people rarely saw. They were on multiple group chats together—the kind where you "bust each other’s chops" and talk about sports or your kids.
They also had a lot of intense, friendly debates about religion. Vance is a devout Catholic, having converted in 2019. Kirk was a staunch Evangelical. Vance has described how they would argue over "minor doctrinal questions" or the differences between Protestantism and Catholicism. It wasn't about winning an argument; it was about two friends who took their faith seriously enough to talk about it for hours.
When Vance became the VP nominee, the pressure on his family was immense. He’s spoken about the guilt he felt putting his wife, Usha, and their three children in the crosshairs of national media. During that time, Kirk wasn't just calling to talk strategy. He was texting to check on the kids, offering prayers, and basically being a support system for a family that was suddenly living in a goldfish bowl.
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The Tragedy at Utah Valley University
Everything changed on September 10, 2024.
While speaking at a debate at Utah Valley University, Charlie Kirk was assassinated. He was only 30 years old. The news broke while JD Vance was in a meeting in the West Wing. He’s described the moment those mutual group chats started "lighting up" with people saying they were praying for Charlie. For an hour, Vance sat in the White House, praying, until the news was confirmed.
The aftermath showed just how deep their bond went. Vance didn't just send a press release. He:
- Dropped his 9/11 memorial plans to fly to Utah.
- Offered Air Force Two to transport Kirk’s casket back to Arizona.
- Personally helped carry the casket.
- Hosted a special edition of The Charlie Kirk Show to keep his friend’s legacy alive.
It was a raw, public display of grief that you don't often see from high-ranking politicians. It reminded everyone that behind the "JD Vance and Charlie Kirk" political brand was a genuine, eight-year brotherhood.
Why the Friendship Still Matters in 2026
We’re now well into the Trump-Vance administration, and the influence of this friendship is everywhere. It’s not just about the past; it’s about how the government is being run right now.
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Vance has credited Kirk with helping "staff the entire government." The people Kirk mentored at TPUSA are now the staffers in the West Wing and the federal agencies. This "Kirk-to-Vance" pipeline has ensured that the administration stays focused on the youth-driven, populist agenda that both men championed.
The 2028 Horizon
There's also the "Erika factor." Erika Kirk, Charlie's widow, has taken over as the CEO of Turning Point USA. She and JD remain extremely close—a fact that, unfortunately, led to some pretty wild and baseless tabloid rumors after a warm embrace they shared onstage at an event in late 2025.
But if you ignore the gossip, the real story is the political alliance. Erika has already signaled that TPUSA is going to throw its full weight behind a potential JD Vance presidential run in 2028. She’s called him "my husband’s friend" and vowed to get him elected as the 48th president "in the most resounding way possible."
What This Relationship Teaches Us About Modern Politics
If you want to understand where the Republican Party is going, you have to look at the JD Vance and Charlie Kirk friendship. It represents a shift from the old "country club" GOP to a more aggressive, media-savvy, and youth-oriented movement.
- Friendship is the new vetting process: In the "MAGA" era, personal loyalty and shared history often matter more than traditional resumes.
- Media and Governance have merged: The fact that a sitting Vice President would host a podcast formerly run by an activist shows that the line between "commentator" and "legislator" has basically disappeared.
- The Youth Vote is the new battlefield: The success of the 2024 ticket was largely due to gains with young men (aged 18-29), a demographic Kirk spent his life cultivating.
Practical Takeaways for Observers
If you’re trying to keep track of this alliance and its impact on the next election, here’s what you should actually watch for:
- Staffing Shifts: Watch the names coming out of the Vice President's office. If they have TPUSA roots, you know the Kirk legacy is still the guiding hand.
- The "Live" Factor: Vance’s continued use of unconventional media—like guest-hosting podcasts or doing long-form YouTube interviews—is a direct page out of the Kirk playbook.
- Policy Focus: Look for a heavy emphasis on "counter-cultural" issues like university reform and free speech. These were Charlie’s bread and butter, and they are now central to Vance’s platform.
The JD Vance and Charlie kirk friendship started with a DM, but it ended up reshaping the American political landscape. Whether you’re a fan of their politics or not, you can’t deny that the bond between these two "early Trump skeptics" turned into one of the most consequential partnerships in modern history.
Next Steps for You
If you want to dive deeper into the specific policies this duo championed, you should look into the "Project 2025" staffing lists or listen to the memorial episodes of The Charlie Kirk Show hosted by Vance. These provide the best "first-hand" look at their shared vision for the country.