President Donald Trump quietly appointed Erika Kirk to the U.S. Air Force Academy’s Board of Visitors over the weekend, making no announcement and sharing no rationale for the choice ― only adding her name to the list of members.

Kirk, the widow of conservative activist Charlie Kirk, has no military experience.

The board’s responsibilities, as stipulated by law, include inquiring into “the morale, discipline, and social climate, the curriculum, instruction, physical equipment, fiscal affairs, academic methods, and other matters relating to the Academy.”

Trump had previously appointed Charlie Kirk to the Board of Visitors in March 2025. Like his wife, Charlie Kirk also had no military record. He was assassinated during an appearance at Utah Valley University in October.

Erica Kirk’s appointment comes after an AFA graduate who sits on the Association of Graduates (AOG) Board of Directors drew blowback last year after repeatedly moving to have the Academy grant Charlie Kirk an honorary degree.

Retired Lt. Gen. Rod Bishop, who made the recommendation, withdrew it after the board said it received “several hundred” complaints about the proposition over the span of two days.

Bishop told KOAA at the time he believed the complaints were part of a coordinated campaign by “groups that lean left.”

The Air Force Academy very rarely issues honorary degrees, if ever. An investigation by KOAA turned up only one: An honorary bachelor of science degree granted to President John F. Kennedy in 1963, when he became the first president to deliver the commencement address there.

By entering your email and clicking Sign Up, you're agreeing to let us send you customized marketing messages about us and our advertising partners. You are also agreeing to our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy.