Trump Appoints Erika Kirk to Air Force Academy Board of Visitors to Continue Charlie Kirk’s Legacy

President Donald Trump has appointed Erika Kirk to the U.S. Air Force Academy’s Board of Visitors, stepping into the role once held by her late husband, Charlie Kirk.

Erika, who’s 37 and now leads Turning Point USA as CEO, was named to the board quietly—her name just showed up on the academy’s website recently among the president’s appointees. The board, which has 16 members total, looks into things like cadet morale, discipline, curriculum, facilities, and finances at the academy. They offer recommendations to the Secretary of Defense (currently Pete Hegseth) and the president himself.

This spot was previously filled by Charlie, the conservative activist and Turning Point USA co-founder who Trump had tapped for the board last year. Sadly, Charlie was killed last September at age 31—he was fatally shot while speaking at an event at Utah Valley University, in what many saw as a tragic act of political violence.

After his death, Erika took over as CEO of the organization he started back when he was just 18, focused on bringing conservative ideas to high school and college campuses.

A White House spokesperson, Olivia Wales, called it “the perfect choice,” saying in a statement that Charlie had served proudly on the board, inspiring young service members and others with his faith, commitment to truth, and love for the country. They added that Erika will carry on that legacy as a strong advocate for America’s airpower and the warriors who protect the nation.

The board’s chairman, Rep. August Pfluger from Texas, also praised the move. He said he encouraged the appointment because Erika is the right person to fill Charlie’s seat, keep inspiring the next generation of service members, and advance the academy’s work. He looks forward to working with her to honor Charlie’s legacy.

An Air Force Academy spokesperson noted that they thank all board members for their service but don’t get involved in selections—those are handled independently by the president and congressional leaders per federal law.

Erika is one of five people in the “Appointed by the President” section on the board’s site, with one spot still open.

It’s a meaningful continuation for her, especially as a widowed mom of two, keeping her husband’s influence alive in such an important institution. Turning Point USA hasn’t commented yet on the appointment.