“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,” read an explanation on the Air Force Academy website regarding how members of the Board are selected.

Kirk’s name was listed among those selected by Trump, along with Sen. Tommy Tuberville (R-AL), author and motivational speaker Dan Clark, retired Air Force Colonel Doug Nikolai, and former Bush and Trump administration official Dina Powell.

“President Trump made the perfect choice in appointing Erika Kirk to the U.S. Air Force Academy Board of Visitors,” said Olivia Wales, White House spokeswoman, Fox News Digital reported. 

The Air Force Academy issued a statement explaining that it does not influence the selection of the Board of Visitors, nor does it take a position on appointees. 

“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,” read the statement.

Wales lauded Erika Kirk’s selection to the Board, stating that her selection would continue her husband’s legacy and work. She added that Erika would be a “fearless advocate” for the Air Force Academy’s mission.

“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,” said Wales. “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.”

Erika Kirk succeeded her late husband as CEO of Turning Point USA. 

Charlie Kirk was present at the Air Force Academy’s last board meeting before his assassination in August 2025, according to the official minutes of the meeting. He was noted as inquiring about the effectiveness of the Air Force Academy’s “4-class system.” 

THE US CONFLICT IN IRAN BY THE NUMBERS

In another section of the minutes, Kirk inquired if the Air Force Academy was adhering to President Donald Trump’s executive orders on removing critical race theory and diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives. He wondered how the Academy was “ensuring compliance with the faculty to ensure USAFA doesn’t push the worldview of oppression, oppressor/oppressed dynamics, anti-western, anti-American, and gender ideology.”

At the Board’s meeting in December, the first after Kirk’s murder, Rep. August Pfluger (R-TX), chairman of the Board of Visitors, made a statement honoring Charlie Kirk. 

“Mr. Kirk was a Presidential Appointee on the USAFA Board of Visitors and a cherished friend of Congressman Pfluger,” read the minutes from the December meeting. “The Board remembers Charlie’s commitment to advancing the Air Force Academy and inspiring the next generation of service members. The entire Board was honored to serve alongside him, and all of America mourns his passing.”