Trump appoints Erika Kirk to U.S. Air Force Academy Board of Visitors 

President Donald Trump has appointed Erika Kirk to the U.S. Air Force Academy Board of Visitors.

The board did not announce Kirk’s appointment, but her name now appears as a member on the academy’s website. It is unclear when she was appointed. When asked by The Lion about the timing, White House spokeswoman Olivia Wales did not specify but said in a statement that Trump “made the perfect choice.”

“Charlie Kirk served proudly on the Board, inspiring not only the next generation of servicemembers, but millions around the world with his bold Christian faith, defense of the truth, and deep love of country,” Wales told The Lion in a statement. “Erika Kirk will continue his legacy, and be a fearless advocate for the most elite airpower force in the history of the world whose warriors keep our Nation safe, strong, and free.”

Charlie Kirk was appointed to the board in March 2025 by Trump. He was shot and killed Sept. 10, 2025, while speaking at Utah Valley University. He is survived by his wife, Erika Kirk, and their two young children.

Erika Kirk was unanimously elected CEO of her late husband’s conservative organization, Turning Point USA, the week after he was assassinated.

The U.S. Air Force Academy Board of Visitors “inquires into the morale, discipline, curriculum, instruction, physical equipment, fiscal affairs, academic methods and other matters relating to the Academy,” according to its website.

Several fellow board members told The Lion they welcome Erika Kirk. Rep. August Pfluger, R-Texas, said in a statement that “Erika is the right person to fill Charlie’s place on the board and continue his work of inspiring the next generation of service members and advancing the academy. … I look forward to working alongside her to carry on Charlie’s legacy.”

Rep. Don Bacon, R-Neb., also told The Lion in a statement: “I welcome Erika Kirk to the Air Force Academy Board. We are dedicated to making the great Air Force Academy better and to producing the best officers and leaders in the world. I look forward to seeing her at our next meeting.”

A U.S. Air Force Academy spokesman told The Lion in a statement that “under statute, the institution does not influence or take a position on the selection of individual Board of Visitors members. In accordance with federal law, Board appointments are made independently by the President of the United States and Congressional leaders in both the House and Senate, and the Board provides reports and recommendations to the Secretary of War and Secretary of the Air Force.”