While the exchange seemed heartfelt in the moment, reactions on social media told a different story. Some users labeled the interaction “awkward” and “uncomfortable,” with one writing, “This is one of the weirdest embraces I’ve ever seen.” Another quipped, “The way she hugged him like he was Santa Claus,” while others suggested even Trump appeared unsure how to respond.
But not everyone saw it as odd. Supporters of both Trump and the Kirk family defended the interaction, pointing out the obvious grief Erika was experiencing. One user pushed back against critics, saying, “Her husband just died. Trump doing that is such a blessing — she clearly needed that hug.” Another added, “He’s like a father figure. People should stop making this into something it’s not.”
