JD Vance has revealed that the death of Charlie Kirk played a role in his family’s choice to expand.
The vice president shares three children with his wife, Usha Vance: Ewan, nine, Vivek, six, and Mirabel, four.
The Vances are expecting their fourth child later this year. In his new book, Communion: Finding My Way Back to Fait, Vance writes that Kirk’s killing influenced the couple’s decision to have another baby.
In an excerpt obtained by The Wall Street Journal, Vance wrote: “As my wife held Charlie Kirk’s widow on the first day of her terrible sorrow, Erika [Kirk] told Usha between sobs that she regretted having only two kids with Charlie.
“For years, I’d asked Usha to have another baby, and for years, she told me she was done, especially now that public service had elevated us into the national spotlight.”
He continued: “But something changed for Usha, and not long after we buried my friend, she became pregnant with our fourth child, a boy.”
Kirk, a political commentator, was assassinated at Utah Valley University on September 10, 2025. Tyler Robinson has been charged in connection with his death.
Prosecutors are seeking the death penalty if Robinson is convicted.
Kirk founded Turning Point USA in 2012, an organization that promotes conservative values on campuses and in schools. His wife, Erika Kirk, now leads the group as CEO.
Vance and Kirk were widely reported to be close friends, and the vice president has appeared at Turning Point USA events alongside Erika since Kirk’s death.
The vice president and his wife confirmed in January that they were expecting their fourth child, with the newest addition to the household due next month.
Vance and the Second Lady said in a statement on X earlier this year: “We’ve very excited to share the news that Usha is pregnant with our fourth child, a boy. Usha and the baby are doing well, and we are all looking forward to welcoming him in late July.
“During this exciting and hectic time, we are particularly grateful for the military doctors who take excellent care of our family and for the staff members who do so much to ensure that we can serve the country while enjoying a wonderful life with our children.”
An accompanying caption also read: “We’re very happy to share some exciting news. Our family is growing.”