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People point out one issue as Trump quietly appoints Erika Kirk for new military position
Critics have pointed out one major issue after Donald Trump quietly appointed Erika Kirk to a new military role.
On March 10, it emerged that the 79-year-old president had selected the 37-year-old to serve on the U.S. Air Force Academy Board of Visitors, which oversees various aspects of the military institution.
According to the website, the board "inquires into the morale, discipline, curriculum, instruction, physical equipment, fiscal affairs, academic methods and other matters relating to the Academy which the Board decides to consider."
There are 16 seats on the board in total. Six members are appointed by the president, while the others include lawmakers from both parties and military figures such as retired Air Force colonel Doug “Stoli” Nikolai, who fought in the 2003 Iraq War.
Erika is listed among five people under the "Appointed by the President" section, with one seat currently vacant.
The appointment also carries personal significance. The widow's husband, Charlie Kirk, previously held the role after Trump selected him in March 2025.
The Turning Point USA founder was fatally shot at the age of 31 while speaking at a campus event at Utah Valley University on September 10 last year.
Following his death, Erika became the CEO of the nonprofit at the end of September. The widowed mother of two has also appeared at several political events, including Trump’s State of the Union speech last month.
Social Media Users Question Erika's Qualifications
The 37-year-old's appointment has triggered confusion and criticism online. Some people pointed out that neither Erika nor her late husband had formal military training or service experience prior to their roles connected to the board.
One X user wrote: "Reminder, her husband was a podcaster with no military service." Another added: "And she has even less experience."
A third commenter slammed: "Erika Kirk is completely unqualified for this role. She has zero military or educational leadership experience. She is a complete DEI hire."
Others questioned the reasoning behind the decision, with a user asking: "What credentials does she hold this position?"
A fifth critic wrote: "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."
White House Backs The Decision
Despite the uproar online, the White House has defended the appointment, saying Erika is the right person to continue her husband’s work.
"President Trump made the perfect choice in appointing Erika Kirk to the U.S. Air Force Academy Board of Visitors," White House spokesperson Olivia Wales said in a statement, per PEOPLE.
Wales added: "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.
"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 spokesperson continued.
The board’s chairman, Texas representative August Pfluger, also welcomed the appointment. "I applaud President Trump for appointing Erika Kirk to the U.S. Air Force Academy Board of Visitors," he said.
"I encouraged this appointment as 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 added. "I look forward to working alongside her to carry on Charlie’s legacy.”
An Air Force Academy spokesperson also acknowledged the appointment but noted the institution does not play a role in selecting board members.
"The U.S. Air Force Academy thanks all members of the USAFA Board of Visitors for their service and commitment to our mission," they said.
"Under statute, the institution does not influence or take a position on the selection of individual Board of Visitors members. 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," they added.