Vance to divorce Usha and marry Charlie Kirk's widow? — NYT author's shocking prediction amid Erika Kirk hug row goes viral

What began as criticism over Vance’s comments about hoping his wife, Usha, would “embrace Christianity” has spiralled into online speculation about his marriage — and a New York Times author’s eerie prediction has only fanned the flames.

JD Vance found himself at the centre of controversy after suggesting that his wife, Usha, who he described as “not very religious,” might one day convert to Christianity.

The statement drew sharp backlash, but the uproar deepened when photos of Vance hugging Erika Kirk at a Turning Point USA event in Mississippi on October 29 went viral.

Vance, the guest of honour at the University of Mississippi gathering, was introduced onstage by Erika, who delivered a glowing tribute to him.

“No one will ever replace my husband,” she told the audience. “But I do see some similarities between my husband and JD — Vice President JD Vance. And that’s why I feel so blessed to introduce him tonight.”

As Vance walked onto the stage, the two shared a lingering embrace that social media users quickly dissected frame by frame.

Erika’s hand resting on Vance’s head drew particular attention, with many online describing the gesture as giving an “impression of intimacy.” Within hours, hashtags linking Vance, Erika, and Usha began trending across X (formerly Twitter).

Speculation of divorce goes viral

The viral hug sparked an avalanche of online speculation, with users questioning the nature of Vance’s relationship with Erika Kirk.

Among those weighing in was New York Times author Shannon Watts, who made a chilling prediction that sent the internet into overdrive.

Taking to X, Watts wrote, “Vance announces divorce, marries Charlie Kirk’s widow by the end of 2026.”

The post, made in response to the viral photos, quickly amassed more than 8.8 million views, igniting debate and mockery in equal measure.

The timing of the controversy added to its intensity. Just days earlier, Vance had drawn criticism for his remarks about his wife’s Hindu faith, saying he “hoped” she would one day embrace Christianity.

The comment, made at the same TPUSA event, angered many who saw it as disrespectful toward Usha’s religious identity. Critics accused Vance of pandering to his conservative base ahead of a possible 2028 presidential run.

Some even suggested that Usha’s Hindu background might be seen as a political liability in MAGA circles.

Vance pushes back amid faith and marriage backlash

Amid the growing furore, JD Vance moved to defend both his marriage and his comments. Taking to X, he clarified that his wife had “no plans to convert” and that his remark had been taken out of context.

He responded to one post accusing him of throwing his wife’s faith “under the bus for a moment’s acceptance by groypers,” writing: “What a disgusting comment, and it’s hardly been the only one along these lines. First off, the question was from a person seemingly to my left, about my interfaith marriage. I’m a public figure, and people are curious, and I wasn’t going to avoid the question.”

Vance’s explanation, however, did little to stop the speculation. Online chatter continued to swirl around the “hug moment,” with memes and videos dissecting the body language between him and Erika.

Many conservative commentators rushed to defend Vance, dismissing the controversy as overblown, while others argued that the incident reflected deeper political and personal contradictions.

Who is Shannon Watts?

Shannon Watts, the author behind the viral “divorce” prediction, is no stranger to public attention.

A former communications executive and founder of Moms Demand Action, she rose to prominence as a gun violence prevention activist after the Sandy Hook shooting in 2012.

What began as a Facebook group has since grown into a national movement with chapters in every U.S. state, forming part of Everytown for Gun Safety.

Watts also serves on the boards of Emerge America, which trains women to run for political office, and Advance Peace, an organisation focused on ending urban gun violence.

She is the author of Fired Up: How to Turn Your Spark into a Flame and Come Alive at Any Age, a New York Times bestseller that chronicles her journey from corporate professional to full-time activist.

Her prediction about JD and Usha Vance’s marriage — though framed in a speculative, even mocking tone — has thrust her back into the spotlight, with many accusing her of crossing ethical boundaries by amplifying unverified gossip.