Erika Kirk has been appointed to the U.S. Air Force Academy Board of Visitors. While the White House has praised the appointment, social media users are now pointing out one major issue.
Donald Trump has picked Erika Kirk, the widow of the late right-wing activist Charlie Kirk, for an important advisory board at the U.S. Air Force Academy.
Erika, 37, joins a group of Trump supporters on the academy’s 16-member Board of Visitors. The board keeps an eye on things like “morale, discipline, curriculum, instruction, equipment, finances, academic methods and more.”
Her husband, Charlie Kirk, was tragically shot and killed in September while giving a speech at Utah Valley University. He had been appointed to the same board by Trump a year before and served until his death.
The academy hasn’t made an official announcement about Erika’s new role. But news outlets like The Hill reported it on Tuesday, and her name now shows up as one of Trump’s five appointees, with one spot still open.
Erika Kirk appointed to Air Force Academy board
When asked when Erika Kirk had been named to the board, the White House did not say. Still, the White House spokesperson, Olivia Wales, praised President Donald Trump for having “made the perfect choice” in appointing her.
“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,” White House spokesperson Olivia Wales said in a statement. “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.”
The Air Force Academy didn’t say when she had been appointed.
“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,” the board’s chair, Rep. August Pfluger (R-Texas), told KOAA.
He added, “I look forward to working alongside her to carry on Charlie’s legacy.”
However, everyone isn’t buying the appointment of Erika Kirk. The 37-year-old’s new job has left many confused.
Social media users points out major issue with Eirka Kirk appointment
The fact that Erika Kirk, or her late husband for that matter, doesn’t have any formal military training or experience of serving in the military left many with a bad taste.
“Reminder, her husband was a podcaster with no military service, one user wrote on X.
Another added, “And she has even less experience,” while a third stated, “Erika Kirk is completely unqualified for this role. She has zero military or educational leadership experience. She is a complete DEI hire.”
A fourth person asked, “What credentials does she hold this position?”
A fifth person said, “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.”
What do you think of the appointment of Erika Kirk? Please share your thoughts in the comment section.
