Trump Appoints Charlie Kirk's Widow to Air Force Academy Board

Erika Kirk will make recommendations to Defense Secretary about potential changes at the academy.

Published on Mar. 10, 2026

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President Donald Trump has appointed Erika Kirk, the widow of Turning Point USA founder Charlie Kirk, to be one of 16 people to sit on the Air Force Academy's Board of Visitors. As a board member, Erika Kirk will make recommendations to Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth about potential changes at the Air Force Academy. Her husband also served on the board before being assassinated.

Why it matters

This appointment continues Trump's pattern of placing allies and supporters in influential positions, even after leaving office. Erika Kirk's role on the Air Force Academy board could shape the education and training of future military officers.

The details

Erika Kirk is taking over her late husband's position on the Air Force Academy's Board of Visitors. Charlie Kirk, the founder of the conservative group Turning Point USA, previously served on the board before his assassination. In her new role, Erika Kirk will work with the other 15 board members to provide recommendations to the Defense Secretary about potential changes at the academy.

  • Erika Kirk's appointment was announced on March 10, 2026.
  • Charlie Kirk served on the Air Force Academy board before his death.

The players

Erika Kirk

The widow of Turning Point USA founder Charlie Kirk, who has been appointed to the Air Force Academy's Board of Visitors.

Charlie Kirk

The late founder of Turning Point USA, who previously served on the Air Force Academy's Board of Visitors before his assassination.

Donald Trump

The former president of the United States who appointed Erika Kirk to the Air Force Academy board.

Pete Hegseth

The current Defense Secretary who will receive recommendations from the Air Force Academy's Board of Visitors, including Erika Kirk.

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What they’re saying

“It's imperative that these cadets know that we are the greatest nation ever.”

— Charlie Kirk (Denver Gazette)

What’s next

The Air Force Academy's Board of Visitors, including Erika Kirk, will continue to meet and provide recommendations to Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth about potential changes at the academy.

The takeaway

This appointment highlights the continued influence of the Trump administration and its allies, even after Trump left office. Erika Kirk's position on the Air Force Academy board could shape the education and training of future military officers in line with the conservative values championed by her late husband and his organization.