CRBC News
Politics
Conflict
Security
Society
Economy
Science
Technology
Environment
Health
Culture
Politics

Sen. John Fetterman Condemns 'Dehumanizing' Online Attack On Erika Kirk, Urges Compassion

Alex Nitzberg|Fox News
11:55 PM, 12/10/2025
Sen. John Fetterman Condemns 'Dehumanizing' Online Attack On Erika Kirk, Urges Compassion
Democrat John Fetterman decries 'dehumanizing' attack against Charlie Kirk's widow Erika

Sen. John Fetterman criticized harsh online attacks on Erika Kirk, calling them "gross and dehumanizing" and urging the public to allow the bereaved family time to grieve. The dispute followed a podcast host labeling Erika Kirk a "grifter" and saying she should be "kicked to the curb." Rep. Nancy Mace and Fox analyst Gianno Caldwell publicly backed Fetterman's condemnation. Charlie Kirk was fatally shot at a Utah Valley University event in September; he and Erika leave behind two children.

Pennsylvania Sen. John Fetterman publicly condemned an online assault on Erika Kirk, the widow of conservative activist Charlie Kirk, calling the comments "gross and dehumanizing" and urging people to put politics aside while the family grieves.

Fetterman shared a screenshot of a Fox News Digital headline that reported a liberal podcaster had labeled Erika Kirk a "grifter" who should be "kicked to the curb." In a post on X (formerly Twitter), he criticized the personal attacks aimed at a bereaved spouse and mother.

"It’s gross and dehumanizing to attack a widow with young children after just witnessing his public assassination," Fetterman wrote. "It shouldn’t be controversial to put our political views aside and extend the grace for a deeply traumatized family to grieve."

The comments at issue came from Jennifer Welch on her "I've Had It" podcast, where she said, "This woman should be kicked to the curb. She is an absolute grifter, just like Donald Trump, and just like her unrepentant, racist, homophobic husband was." The remarks prompted backlash from multiple public figures who said the attack crossed a line.

Sen. John Fetterman Condemns 'Dehumanizing' Online Attack On Erika Kirk, Urges Compassion - Image 1
Left: Sen. John Fetterman, D-Pa., outside the Senate Chamber at the U.S. Capitol in Washington, D.C., on Wednesday, May 21, 2025; Right: Erika Kirk discusses the newly released book "Stop, In The Name of God: Why Honoring The Sabbath Will Transform Your Life" on "Hannity" at Fox News Channel Studios on Dec. 8, 2025, in New York City.

GOP Rep. Nancy Mace of South Carolina, who is running for governor, publicly thanked Fetterman for speaking out. Fox News Channel political analyst Gianno Caldwell also expressed agreement with the senator's call for restraint and compassion.

Charlie Kirk, founder of Turning Point USA, was fatally shot during an event at Utah Valley University in September. He and his wife, Erika, are survived by two young children. The exchange has renewed calls from some leaders for more civil discourse and sensitivity toward grieving families after public tragedies.

Context: The episode highlights tensions between partisan commentary and personal attacks on individuals affected by political violence, and underscores broader debates about civility in public discourse.

Similar Articles

Trending

Sen. John Fetterman Condemns 'Dehumanizing' Online Attack On Erika Kirk, Urges Compassion - CRBC News