Fact Check: Did Trump give Erika Kirk a high-level defense role despite no military experience?

WASHINGTON, DC: President Donald Trump recently appointed Erika Kirk to the United States Air Force Academy Board of Visitors, after the death of her husband, conservative icon Charlie Kirk, last September.

Following this, a rumor circulated online claiming that the POTUS gave Erika Kirk a 'high-level' defense role despite having no military experience. But is there any truth to this? Let us find out below.

Claim: Trump gave Erika Kirk a 'high-level' defense role despite no military experience

An X user came up with a post that read, "You can all apologize to @RealCandaceO now. 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. Erika Kirk is an asset to the deep state. She’s not some innocent grieving widow. Are we in the twilight zone? What qualifications does she possibly have for this?"

Similarly, another Facebook user made a similar post, questioning Erika Kirk's qualifications for overseeing the Air Force Academy. 

Interestingly, Erika's appointment has been welcomed by August Pfluger, the Republican congressman from Texas who chairs the board. Pfluger said he had recommended Kirk for the position months ago and praised the POTUS for his decision.

Pfluger said in a statement, "Erika is the right person to step into Charlie’s place on the Board and continue the work he began in inspiring the next generation of service members and strengthening the Academy."

He added that he looks forward to working with her to carry forward Charlie Kirk’s legacy.

Fact Check: Partially true, but misleading

President Trump appointed Erika Kirk to a position connected to the Department of Defense. However, it is not a 'high-level defense role' in the typical sense of operational, policy-making, or command authority within the Pentagon or military.

Moreover, her position is an appointment to the US Air Force Academy's Board of Visitors. The board consists of 16 members, including presidential appointees, congressional members, and others.

The board's role is advisory and oversight-focused. It inquires into and makes recommendations to the Secretary of Defense regarding the Academy's morale, discipline, curriculum, instruction, academic methods, and other similar matters. 

Erika's role is not a decision-making executive position in defense policy, military operations, or the broader Department of Defense. The role is part-time and unpaid.

Meanwhile, several sources confirm Erika Kirk has no military service or background in defense. Her professional history includes involvement with Turning Point USA and earlier pageant participation in some profiles, but nothing related to military or national security expertise.