Turning Point USA CEO joins Air Force Academy Board of Visitors after Charlie Kirk’s death
March 10, 2026: U.S. President Donald Trump has appointed Erika Kirk, the widow of conservative activist Charlie Kirk, to the U.S. Air Force Academy Board of Visitors. Following her husband’s passing, Erika Kirk assumed the role of CEO at Turning Point USA, a conservative organization that claims to operate more than 800 chapters across college campuses in the United States.
The appointment was welcomed by Republican lawmaker August Pfluger, who chairs the board. Pfluger said he had recommended Erika Kirk for the position months earlier and praised the decision, stating that she would help continue Charlie Kirk’s mission of inspiring future service members at the academy. He added that he looked forward to working with her to carry forward Kirk’s legacy.
The Board of Visitors consists of 16 members responsible for advising the U.S. Department of Defense on policies and improvements at the United States Air Force Academy. The board includes members of Congress such as Jeff Crank and Tommy Tuberville. During his brief tenure on the board, Charlie Kirk had raised concerns about delays in the construction of the academy chapel and stressed the importance of reinforcing American values among cadets.