Erika Kirk sent bold advice to new college graduates this weekend.
On Saturday, May 9, the CEO of Turning Point USA, 37, delivered the 2026 commencement address at Hillsdale College in Michigan. During her speech, she reminded many of her Christian beliefs as she called on the graduates to know their “calling” before they step into a new chapter of their lives.
In the midst of her address, which has now gone viral for the “sleeping” celebrity who stood right behind her, she said, “Charlie would often encourage people, like Dr. [Larry] Arnn said, to get married young,” clarifying, “Not rushed, not rushed, but young.”
She then sent some words of “encouragement” to the group, beginning, “To the men, you are called to provide. You are called to lead, to anchor your families in strength and consistency.
Moving on to the ladies, she said, “To the women, you are called to nurture, to build, to shape lives with wisdom and endurance.”
Erika Kirk delivers an address at the Hillsdale College’s 2026 commencement ceremony (Image: Getty)
Her message received mixed reviews from viewers, with one fan on X writing, “What a beautiful speech from an even more beautiful woman!!”
Another added, “Such a heartfelt call to build real families in a world that’s forgotten how. Strength in love, purpose in raising the next generation we all win when homes thrive. Beautiful speech, Erika.”
While many praised the CEO for her first speech, others found it to be a “lack of self-awareness.”
One critic wrote, “How dare this woman tell the students what they’re called to do. Literally how dare you Erica? You don’t tell men they were called to lead. You don’t know that. You don’t know what they’re called to do.
“They can make up their own f—ing minds. You’re standing there preaching to these young girls that they should have babies and stay home and raise families. Well what the hell are you doing? The hypocrisy is beyond,” the person continued.
.@MrsErikaKirk encourages young Americans to get married and raise families during her commencement address at Hillsdale College:
— Fox News (@FoxNews) May 10, 2026
"To the men, you are called to provide, you are called to lead, to anchor your families in strength and consistency. To the women, you are called to… pic.twitter.com/g34D41g3nX
Erika was married for four years before her husband Charlie was killed.
He had just begun a speech at Utah Valley University when he was fatally shot. He was initially hospitalized in critical condition but ultimately from the wound.
Charlie first met Erika back in 2018 when the two met at a Turning Point USA office opening. The two bonded over their shared passion for conservative activism.
While speaking on a panel in 2024, the influencer admitted he “knew almost immediately” that she was “the one.” He then recalled the first moment they had met, comparing it to “an interview.”
Three years after their initial meeting, Charlie and Erika tied the knot during a private and “very intimate” ceremony in Scottsdale, Ariz. They welcomed two kids during their marriage.
