The widow of late right-wing podcaster Charlie Kirk has been appointed to the Air Force Academy Board of Visitors.

Erika Kirk has just secured a role on the Air Force Academy Board of Visitors — though one aspect of the appointment has left many people puzzled.

The development surfaced yesterday (10 March), when it was revealed that US president Donald Trump, 79, selected the 37-year-old for the position previously held by her late husband, Charlie Kirk.

The mother of two was left widowed in September after her right-wing activist husband was fatally shot while hosting a debate event at a university in Utah.

Following Kirk’s death, Erika stepped into the role of CEO at the non-profit organization at the end of September and has since appeared at several political gatherings, including Trump’s State of the Union address last month.

Now it has emerged that she has joined the influential board responsible for overseeing the US Air Force Academy.

According to the board’s website, it “inquires into the morale, discipline, curriculum, instruction, physical equipment, fiscal affairs, academic methods, and other matters relating to the Academy.”

After conducting its review, the board provides recommendations to the secretary of war and the president.

The panel is made up of 16 members, six of whom are appointed by the president. The remaining members include a combination of Republican and Democratic lawmakers, as well as retired Air Force colonel Doug “Stoli” Nikolai, who served in the 2003 Iraq War.

There was no official announcement from the academy about Erika’s appointment, and the news was first reported Tuesday by The Hill and other political news organizations.

Olivia Wales, a White House spokeswoman, described Erika as the “perfect” selection for the role.

She said in a statement: “President Trump made the perfect choice in appointing Erika Kirk to the US Air Force Academy Board of Visitors. 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 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.”

However, the appointment has also sparked confusion and criticism because, according to The Independent, Erika does not have formal military training or experience, and neither did her late husband.

Trump originally appointed Kirk to the board in March 2025, before his death that September.

One X user commented: “Reminder, her husband was a podcaster with no military service.”

Another wrote: “And she has even less experience.”

A third added: “Wow, did he ever think of hiring someone actually qualified for a position? Sad.”

Still puzzled, a fourth asked: “What are her qualifications?? Honestly.”

And a fifth bluntly remarked: “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.”