Trump taps Erika Kirk to join Air Force Academy Board of Visitors to continue Charlie's legacy

WASHINGTON, DC: President Donald Trump has appointed Erika Kirk, the widow of TPUSA CEO and conservative leader Charlie Kirk, to the US Air Force Academy’s Board of Visitors (USAFA BoV). Her appointment appeared to happen quietly over the weekend (exact date not mentioned).

There was no official announcement about the move. The board oversees important sections of the academy, including morale, the curriculum, and academic programs.  The academy’s website now lists her as a member of the board. It notes that she was “Appointed by the President,” and her name appears along with other members. 

Erika Kirk joins Air Force Academy’s Board of Visitors 

Erika's selection comes nearly a year after Trump appointed her late husband, Charlie, to the same board in March 2025. According to the Air Force Academy's BoV website, the current list of members includes: "Sen Tommy Tuberville, Dan Clark, Doug Nikolai, Dina Powell, Erika Kirk, (Vacant)."

As per KOAA, Rep August Pfluger, who serves as chair of the board, said he supported Erika’s appointment and praised the decision. "Erika is the right person to fill Charlie’s place on the Board and continue his work of inspiring the next generation of service members and advancing the Academy." he said, adding, "I look forward to working alongside her to carry on Charlie’s legacy." 

Seats on the Congress-approved BoV are filled in two ways: some by the President, some by Congress leaders. Charlie Kirk went to his first Board meeting on August 7, 2025, before being killed a few weeks later at Utah Valley University on September 10.

White House issues statement on Erika Kirk's appointment

White House spokeswoman, Olivia Wales, confirmed Erika's appointment to the Air Force Academy's Board of Visitors in a statement to USA Today. "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,” she said.

"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," Wales added.

How the Air Force Academy's Board of Visitors works

For those unfamiliar, the USAFA Board of Visitors was established under Title 10 us Code 9455. The board reviews crucial areas of the academy, including morale, discipline, curriculum, instruction, facilities, finances, and academic methods. The website shows that the most recent BoV meeting took place on December 8, 2025.

As per the website, "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."

Last month, the board submitted its semi-annual report to Pete Hegseth and Air Force Secretary Troy Meink.