Erika Kirk, the widow of conservative activist Charlie Kirk, has been appointed to the U.S. Air Force Academy’s Board of Visitors, replacing her late husband.While the appointment has not been formally announced by the Air Force Academy or the White House, Kirk’s name now appears on the board’s official list of members on the U.S. Air Force Academy’s website. The Board of Visitors is a 16-member panel that advises the secretary of defense on issues at the Air Force Academy, including morale, finances and academics. The board is required to submit an annual report on the institution.Newsweek reached out to the White House via email for comment.Why It MattersTrump has moved quickly during his second term to reshape the boards of visitors at the nation’s military academies, appointing several political allies and conservative figures. Erika Kirk’s appointment continues that pattern and places her in the same role previously held by her husband before his death.The decision has drawn attention because the appointment was not publicly announced, and because it comes months after Charlie Kirk’s assassination, which shocked the conservative movement and led to a reshuffling of leadership at Turning Point USA.What To KnowWhite House spokesperson Olivia Wales praised the appointment in a statement, saying Trump had “made the perfect choice” in naming Erika Kirk to the board.The U.S. Air Force Academy is one of the nation’s five federal military service academies and trains cadets to become commissioned officers in the U.S. Air Force and U.S. Space Force.Located just north of Colorado Springs, Colorado, the academy was established in 1954 and offers a four‑year undergraduate program that combines academics, military training, athletics and character development.The Air Force Academy is overseen in part by the Board of Visitors, a 16‑member advisory panel made up of presidential appointees and members of Congress. The board provides recommendations to the secretary of defense and submits annual reports on the academy’s morale, finances and academic programs.Charlie Kirk, co-founder of conservative group Turning Point USA, was appointed to the Air Force Academy’s Board of Visitors in March 2025 and attended one meeting before he was assassinated on September 10, 2025, while speaking at Utah Valley University.Other members of the board include several lawmakers, among them Senator Markwayne Mullin of Oklahoma, Trump’s nominee for secretary of homeland security, as well as Senators Tommy Tuberville of Alabama, Kevin Cramer of North Dakota, Ted Budd of North Carolina and John Hickenlooper of Colorado.What People Are SayingWhite House spokesperson Olivia Wales said in a statement: “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 will 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.”A U.S. Air Force Academy Spokesperson told Newsweek: “The U.S. Air Force Academy thanks all members of the USAFA Board of Visitors for their service and commitment to our mission. Under statute, the institution does not influence or take a position on the selection of individual Board of Visitors members. In accordance with federal law, Board appointments are made independently by the President of the United States and Congressional leaders in both the House and Senate, and the Board provides reports and recommendations to the Secretary of War and Secretary of the Air Force.”What Happens NextSince the death of her husband Charlie Kirk, Erika Kirk has taken over as CEO of Turning Point USA. Her appointment to the board places her in a formal advisory role at the Air Force Academy as the panel continues its oversight work.Update, 03/11/26 11:15 a.m. ET: This story was updated with comment from the U.S Air Force Academy.In a polarized era, the center is dismissed as bland. At Newsweek, ours is different: The Courageous Center—it’s not “both sides,” it’s sharp, challenging and alive with ideas. We follow facts, not factions. If that sounds like the kind of journalism you want to see thrive, we need you.When you become a Newsweek Member, you support a mission to keep the center strong and vibrant. Members enjoy: Ad-free browsing, exclusive content and editor conversations. Help keep the center courageous. Join today.
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