JD Vance and Erika Kirk drew intense attention after a recent hug that, according to a body language expert, revealed a mix of stress, closeness, and a notable lack of personal boundaries.

Radar Online reported that the interaction, which occurred in front of an audience including Vance's wife, Usha, sparked widespread discussion online.

Behavior analyst Traci Brown, author of How to Detect Lies, Fraud and Identity Theft, told the outlet that the hug suggested a heightened level of intimacy between Kirk and Vance.

"I think they're super close, or she wants to be super close. And he's not saying no, right?" Brown explained. She noted that Kirk's hand placement on the back of Vance's head and the tilt of her head reflected both deep affection and recognition.

Brown emphasized that the moment was influenced by Kirk's personal stress, following the death of her husband, Charlie Kirk.

"Is it over her whole life? Don't know. But definitely right now, the stress has heightened that," she added. She also pointed out the overall lack of formality in their body language.

Online reactions were split. Some users described the hug as "bizarre," remarking that they had never hugged a male friend in such a manner.

Others criticized Kirk's choice of attire, including leather pants, as "very inappropriate" for the occasion.

Yet some defended her, noting that she had hugged other public figures, including former President Trump, in a similar manner and urging critics to consider her personal trauma.

Kirk's interactions have continued to attract attention, including a recent embrace with country singer Jason Aldean at the Fox Nation Patriot Awards, which also drew commentary on social media.

During that hug, Aldean's wife appeared to watch the moment closely, according to The Independent, and online observers questioned why Kirk seemed to favor hugs with married men.

Turning Point USA Appearance Highlights Emotional Strain

The backdrop for the hug came just weeks after Kirk made her first public appearance at a Turning Point USA event at the University of Mississippi following her husband's assassination.

Lip reader Nicola Nickling told The Mirror, per News18, that during Kirk's introduction of Vance, she and the Vice President shared a brief but emotional exchange. "I'm proud of you," Vance said, and Kirk responded, "It's not gonna bring him back."

Kirk, who was named CEO of TPUSA after her husband's death, shared her feelings with the audience, saying, "You guys have no idea how helpful it is to have all you in my life ... you make me feel even more connected to my husband."

Brown said that the hug between Vance and Kirk during this event echoed the intensity of her loss while signaling her need for emotional support.

Brown concluded that the physical display between Kirk and Vance "shows a general lack of boundaries," though she stopped short of making judgments about motives.

She added a touch of humor, imagining the perspective of Vance's wife: "If I was Usha... I would have liked to be a fly on the wall in the car ride home."