Trump quietly appoints Erika Kirk for new military position - there's one issue

Erika Kirk just landed a position on the Air Force Academy Board of Visitors - however, people are confused over one detail.

The news emerged yesterday (10 March) that US president Donald Trump, 79, appointed the 37-year-old to fill the seat, which was previously held by her late husband, Charlie Kirk.

The mother-of-two tragically became a widow in September, after her right-wing activist husband was fatally shot while hosting a debate at a university in Utah.

Following Kirk's death, Erika was appointed CEO of the non-profit at the end of last September and has also appeared at multiple political events, including Trump's State of the Union speech last month.

Now, though, it's been revealed that she's joined the influential board, which oversees the US Air Force Academy.

As per its website, the board 'inquires into the morale, discipline, curriculum, instruction, physical equipment, fiscal affairs, academic methods, and other matters relating to the Academy'.

Erika Kirk has been appointed as a member of the Air Force Academy Board of Visitors (Anna Moneymaker/Getty Images)

The board then makes recommendations to the secretary of war and the president.

It consists of 16 members, six of whom are appointed by the president. The other members include a mix of Republican and Democratic lawmakers, along with retired air force colonel Doug 'Stoli' Nikolai, who fought in the 2003 Iraq War.

There was no official announcement by the academy of Erika's new role, and it was first reported on Tuesday by the Hill and other political news outlets.

Olivia Wales, White House spokeswoman, said that Erika is the 'perfect' choice for the board.

She said in a statement: “President Trump made the perfect choice in appointing Erika Kirk to the US Air Force Academy Board of Visitors. 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 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."

However, the decision has been met with some confusion and backlash, because, as reported by The Independent, Erika doesn't have any formal military training or experience, nor did her late husband.

Kirk was selected for the role by US President, Donald Trump (Craig Hudson/Politico/Bloomberg via Getty Images)

Trump initially chose Kirk to serve on the board in March 2025, before his death in September.

One X user wrote: "Reminder, her husband was a podcaster with no military service."

While a second said: "And she has even less experience."

And a third argued: "Wow, did he ever think of hiring someone actually qualified for a position? Sad."

Baffled, a fourth asked: "What are her qualifications?? Honestly."

And a fifth brutally quipped: "If Erika can land a position like this with absolutely no educational background in the field, then I guess qualifications are just a cute little suggestion these days.

"Good to know merit has officially taken a back seat."

Tyla has contacted Turning Point USA for comment on behalf of Erika Kirk.