Erika Kirk Goes Viral For Saying 'Grift' Instead Of 'Grit', Internet Calls It 'Freudian Slip'

Erika Kirk, the widow of murdered right-wing activist Charlie Kirk has gone viral for her slip of tongue at a recent event. The 37-year-old was presenting an award at Turning Point USA's (TPUSA) AmericaFest in Phoenix, Arizona, when she accidentally used the word "grift" instead of "grit" while describing the work of her late husband.

Erika has taken over as CEO of TPUSA, with the influential organisation founded by her husband playing a pivotal part in mobilising young people to vote for Donald Trump in the 2024 presidential election.

"Despite the devastating loss of Charlie Kirk, my incredible husband...Caleb has persisted with the same grift," Erika said, before stating "gift," then finally, "grit".

“It has been a long day." she said before turning to the student and adding: "Trust me, you're not a grifter, honey. It's all good."

Check The Viral Clip Here:

Erika Kirk had an incredible slip of the tongue moment when honoring an honor student. pic.twitter.com/a8VSZf38wg

— Shadow of Ezra (@ShadowofEzra) December 21, 2025

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'Freudian Slip'

As the video clip went viral, garnering millions of views, some users joked it was a Freudian slip, while others said it was an honest mistake and nothing more than that.

"Freudian slip of the century contender," said one user, while another added: "Yeah that sentence definitely needed a redo... or a very fast commercial break."

A third commented: "Moments like this are a reminder that we're all human, even in formal settings meant to be polished and perfect. The real question is: have we lost the ability to laugh, clarify, and move on or are we too quick to turn human error into spectacle?"

On the same day as her viral slip of tongue, Erika offered TPUSA's backing to Vice President JD Vance as the next presidential candidate.

"We are going to get my husband's friend JD Vance elected for 48 in the most resounding way possible," she said.

The endorsement comes as the Make America Great Again (MAGA) movement begins to look to a future without Trump. Vance has not yet committed to running in 2028, but he is widely expected to put himself forward.