U.S. President Donald Trump has appointed conservative activist Erika Kirk to the advisory board of the United States Air Force Academy, replacing her late husband, Charlie Kirk. The 37-year-old political commentator and former beauty pageant titleholder, who has no military experience, was selected to fill this seat. Charlie Kirk was shot in the neck in September 2025 during an open-air debate at Utah Valley University.
According to reports, Erika Kirk was chosen over the weekend to join the 16-member Board of Visitors, which advises the academy on logistical, disciplinary, and instructional matters and prepares semiannual reports for government officials. A White House spokesperson, Olivia Wales, defended the appointment, saying, “Charlie Kirk served proudly on the Board, inspiring not only the next generation of service members, but millions around the world with his bold Christian faith, defence of the truth, and deep love of the 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.”
