JUST IN: Trump Appoints Erika Kirk to US Air Force Academy Board of Visitors

President Trump has appointed Erika Kirk, the widow of slain Turning Point USA founder Charlie Kirk, to fill a vacancy on the US Air Force Academy’s Board of Visitors. 

Charlie Kirk, who was murdered on September 10, 2025, by a leftwing assassin, was also a member of the Board of Visitors at the time of his passing.

“We are shocked and deeply saddened by the murder of Mr. Charlie Kirk, a member of the U.S. Air Force Academy Board of Visitors,” the U.S. Air Force Academy Association & Foundation said in a statement following Kirk’s death. “Mr. Kirk was a passionate champion for our Academy, its timeless mission and the extraordinary Cadets who have dedicated their lives to service before self.”

“I had the privilege of serving alongside him on the U.S. Air Force Academy Board of Visitors this year, inspiring the next generation of servicemembers together. My heart aches for the Kirk family as they navigate this unimaginable loss. Please join me in lifting his family and our entire nation up in prayer,” Rep. August Pfluger (R-TX), Board of Visitors Chairman, said.

The Board advises the Department of War on morale, discipline, curriculum, instruction, physical equipment, fiscal affairs, academic methods, and other matters relating to the Academy in Colorado Springs, Colorado.

“The Board consists of six members appointed by the President, two designated by the Speaker of the House of Representatives, one designated by the Minority Leader of the House of Representatives, one each designated by the Chair and Ranking Member of the House Armed Services Committee, two designated by the Majority Leader of the Senate, two designated by the Minority Leader of the Senate, and one each designated by the Chair and Ranking Member of the Senate Armed Services Committee,” according to the Air Force Adcademy.

As a presidentially designated board member, Kirk joins Sen. Tommy Tuberville (R-AL), Dan Clark, Doug Nikolai, and Dina Powell.

Per the Colorado Springs Gazette:

As a Board of Visitors member, Erika Kirk is one of 16 members responsible for making recommendations to the Secretary of Defense about changes at the Air Force Academy. The board also includes members of Congress including 5th Congressional District Rep. Jeff Crank of Colorado Springs along with Sen. Tommy Tuberville, R-Ala., and Chairman Rep. August Pfluger, R-Texas, among others.

The board did not announce her appointment. But her name now appears on the list of members.

Turning Point USA said Erika Kirk was unavailable to respond to questions about her Board of Visitors appointment.

During his short time on the board, Charlie Kirk drew attention to the construction delays at the chapel and encouraged the school to emphasize what sets America apart.

“It’s imperative that these cadets know that we are the greatest nation ever,” he said, the board meeting in August.

Erika Kirk also took over as CEO of Turning Point USA after Charlie Kirk’s death.

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