MAGA fans freak out over Trump's secret new appointment: 'DEI on steroids'

A Fox News report that Erika Kirk, the wife of the late Turning Point USA founder Charlie Kirk, was secretly given a job by Donald Trump over the weekend, set off a bit of a social media firestorm on Tuesday.

According to Fox News, “President Trump appoints Erika Kirk to serve on the U.S. Air Force Academy Board of Visitors — taking the position her late husband, Charlie, was slated to hold before he was assassinated in September. Now Erika joins the panel that oversees morale, discipline, curriculum, and fiscal affairs at the academy.”

Erika Kirk, who has been targeted by conspiracy-minded conservatives on social media who believe she had a hand in her husband’s murder, has no military experience, which was a source of much of the outrage.

“Independent Conservative” Lisa Christine pointed out, “Imagine all of the well qualified people who have worked their entire life to earn this position. And, it’s handed to Erika Kirk of all people. It’s time to admit it—- Candace [Owens] and @baroncoleman were right the entire time.”

“Erika Kirk is completely unqualified for this role. She has zero military or educational leadership experience. She is a complete DEI hire,” Iraq veteran Bryan accused, taking up a key talking point Charlie Kirk used in his arguments.

Podcaster Dan Holloway asked a simple, “Why?”

“Tragedy does not equal qualification. If the Air Force Academy board is about merit and mission, not mourning and politics, why is a grieving spouse treated as a resume line? DEI on steroids,” influencer Tosino007 argued.

“This is absolutely disgusting. Never watching Fox News again,” Charlie Kirk supporter Kirbdizzle1 raged. "They are clearly in on trying to push Erika up. All this despite the fact she’s a proven liar and there is strong circumstantial evidence that she was involved in the conspiracy to murder husband. These people are out of their damn minds.”

Tradvocate had different concerns about the single mom.

“If your husband was just murdered and you had a 1 and 3 year old at home who are trying to cope with never being able to see their dad again, would you want to become a CEO, do dozens of public speeches and interviews, and join the Air Force Academy Board at a time like that?” she asked.