President Donald Trump has appointed Erika Kirk, the widow of slain right-wing activist Charlie Kirk, to replace her husband on the U.S. Air Force Academy Board of Visitors.
Details on the Air Force Academy Board of Visitors and Erika Kirk’s role
The 37-year-old will be part of a 16-member Board of Visitors, which “inquires into the morale, discipline, curriculum, instruction, physical equipment, fiscal affairs, academic methods and other matters” of the Colorado-based facility and submits its recommendations to the secretary of war and the president for approval, according to its website, USA Today and The Guardian.
On Tuesday, White House spokesperson Olivia Wales shared a statement confirming Kirk’s appointment and how she will continue her husband’s legacy.
“Charlie Kirk served proudly on the board, inspiring not only the next generation of service members, but millions around the world with his bold Christian faith, defense of the truth and deep love of country,” she said in a statement obtained by The Guardian.
“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.”
Online critics question’s Erika Kirk’s qualifications
Kirk is among other Trump loyalists on the board, which includes both Democratic and Republican lawmakers from various states, including Sen. Tommy Tuberville, R-Ala., and Sen Markwayne Mullin, R-Okla., who will replace the recently fired U.S. Secretary of Homeland Security, Kristi Noem. Dina Powell, former deputy national security adviser for strategy during Trump’s first administration was previously appointed to the board as well.
After her appointment, Erika faced backlash from online critics, who questioned her qualifications to sit on the Air Force Academy board.
“If being a podcaster qualifies Erika Kirk for the Air Force Academy Board of Advisers, then Kim Kardashian’s naked selfie should qualify her for Attorney General,” one user wrote.
“I don’t know about you but Erika Kirk being appointed to the Air Force Acadamy Board with no experience sounds like a DEI hire to me,” another wrote.
“So a board with people like Erika Kirk, Markwayne Mullin and Tommy Tuberville is in charge of overseeing curriculum and academic methods at the Air Force Academy?? Seriously??” a third user wrote.
What did the U.S. Air Force Academy say about Kirk’s appointment?
On Tuesday, the federal agency stated it “does not influence or take a position on the selection of individual Board of Visitors members,” according to USA Today. The academy added that it “thanks all members of the USAFA Board of Visitors for their service and commitment to our mission.”
“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,” the statement read.