Vice President JD Vance drew enthusiastic support during a recent appearance at a Turning Point USA (TPUSA) event hosted by the University of Mississippi, where students repeatedly chanted “48” in reference to a potential 2028 presidential bid. The incident occurred on Wednesday night, with Vance addressing a large crowd that included Erika Kirk, widow of TPUSA founder Charlie Kirk, who was fatally shot during a campus event in September.
During the gathering, Vance stood behind a podium as attendees shouted “48!” before he responded, “Let’s not get ahead of ourselves.” The chants, which highlighted speculation about his future political aspirations, were met with visible enthusiasm from the audience. Vance later emphasized his role as vice president, stating, “My job is not to look out for the interests of the world; it’s to look out for the people of the United States.”
The event also featured questions on topics such as President Trump’s policies toward Israel and corporate monopolies. When asked about potential conflicts of interest involving Trump’s donor Miriam Adelson, Vance dismissed concerns, noting her transparency on pro-Israel advocacy. Another attendee inquired about incorporating Christianity into public schools, while another pressed Vance on bridging divides with Democrats. He acknowledged shared policy goals with the opposing party, including addressing corporate monopolies.
Vance reflected on his friendship with Charlie Kirk, describing their debates as a testament to mutual respect. He recounted a final phone call with Kirk, who had expressed concerns about Trump’s Middle East strategy. Vance praised Kirk’s dedication to open dialogue, stating, “Friendship is not just about telling everybody what they want to hear.”
The event marked one of the last public appearances by Kirk, who was killed during an appearance at Utah Valley University earlier this month. His wife, Erika Kirk, has since assumed leadership of TPUSA.
