Vance told the crowd he spoke with the Secret Service and supported Kirk taking time for herself and her family. He remained on stage while organizers said Kirk declined to appear because of safety concerns raised by her team.
Conservative commentator Candace Owens disputed Kirk’s explanation on X, alleging poor ticket sales and criticizing the group’s PR. Kirk, who was named CEO after her husband’s death on a Utah campus in September 2025, also faced online mockery from figures such as Joe Rogan, who recently shared a critical clip of her appearance.