Trump Appoints Erika Kirk to Air Force Academy Board of Visitors

Erika Kirk will continue her late husband Charlie's legacy on the board.

Mar. 11, 2026 at 3:05am

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President Donald Trump has appointed Erika Kirk, the widow of Turning Point USA founder Charlie Kirk, to the U.S. Air Force Academy's Board of Visitors. This comes nearly a year after Trump appointed Charlie Kirk to the same board in March 2025, before his assassination in September of that year. Erika Kirk's selection was made quietly over the weekend, with no official announcement from the White House.

Why it matters

The Air Force Academy's Board of Visitors oversees important aspects of the academy, including morale, curriculum, academic programs, and fiscal affairs. Erika Kirk's appointment ensures her late husband's legacy and vision for the academy will continue to be represented on the board.

The details

Erika Kirk's name has been added to the list of board members on the Air Force Academy's website, which now includes Sen. Tommy Tuberville, Dan Clark, Doug Nikolai, Dina Powell, Erika Kirk, and one vacant position. Rep. August Pfluger, who serves as chair of the board, expressed support for Erika's appointment and praised the decision, saying she 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."

  • In March 2025, President Trump appointed Erika Kirk's late husband, Charlie Kirk, to the Air Force Academy's Board of Visitors.
  • Charlie Kirk attended his first board meeting on August 7, 2025, before being assassinated a few weeks later on September 10, 2025.
  • Erika Kirk's appointment to the board happened quietly over the weekend, with no official announcement from the White House.

The players

Erika Kirk

The widow of Turning Point USA founder Charlie Kirk, who was previously appointed to the Air Force Academy's Board of Visitors by President Trump.

Charlie Kirk

The late founder of Turning Point USA, who was appointed to the Air Force Academy's Board of Visitors by President Trump in March 2025, before being assassinated in September of that year.

President Donald Trump

The former President of the United States who appointed both Charlie Kirk and Erika Kirk to the Air Force Academy's Board of Visitors.

Rep. August Pfluger

The chair of the Air Force Academy's Board of Visitors, who expressed support for Erika Kirk's appointment.

Olivia Wales

The White House spokeswoman who confirmed Erika Kirk's appointment to the Air Force Academy's Board of Visitors.

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What they’re saying

“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.”

— Rep. August Pfluger, Chair of the Air Force Academy's Board of Visitors

“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. 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.”

— Olivia Wales, White House Spokeswoman

The takeaway

Erika Kirk's appointment to the Air Force Academy's Board of Visitors ensures her late husband Charlie's vision and legacy for the academy will continue to be represented, as the board oversees crucial aspects of the institution's operations and future direction.